Some traditions are celebrated openly, such as yola dancing or camel racing. Others continue quietly and without spectacle; talli work is one of them.
Talli is a form of traditional Emirati embroidery. This art of embroidery has been practiced by women in the Emirates for so long, no one can be quite sure when it began. Although, Talli embroidery occurred long time ago but still common, popular and incorporated into the most fashionable designs.
It is used to beautify the collars and cuffs of women’s clothing.
In times before tailors, women needed to learn the skill of talli work to embellish their clothes. Older talli was made of real silver threads or pure gold threads. While nowadays’ talli is mostly made of synthetic materials.
Some traditions are celebrated openly, such as yola dancing or camel racing. Others continue quietly and without spectacle; talli work is one of them.
Talli is a form of traditional Emirati embroidery. This art of embroidery has been practiced by women in the Emirates for so long, no one can be quite sure when it began. Although, Talli embroidery occurred long time ago but still common, popular and incorporated into the most fashionable designs.
It is used to beautify the collars and cuffs of women’s clothing.
In times before tailors, women needed to learn the skill of talli work to embellish their clothes. Older talli was made of real silver threads or pure gold threads. While nowadays’ talli is mostly made of synthetic materials.
Ateeja Ali Al Muhairbi produces talli work, skilfully placing the spools of thread to create intricate designs for the collars and cuffs of dresses and other items of clothing.
The skill has even inspired poetry. One well-known Arabic verse runs:
“The one wearing the talli has captivated my heart,
With her long black hair flowing in the wind”.
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Shaikha 315 