The Palestinian Keffiyeh is a chequered black and white scarf, made of cotton fabric that is worn in different ways around the head and the neck, also referred to as a Palestinian Hatta or a Shemagh scarf. It became a symbol of Palestinian nationalism during the Arab Revolt of the 1930s.

During the 1960s, the Keffiyeh became even more prominent symbol of Palestinian resistance when it was adopted by Yasser Arafat (A Palestinian political leader) Arafat seldom made public appearances without the headdress. It is worn by men and women of any social rank, and nowadays it is not only worn by Palestinian people it is worn by people from different nations around the world. Palestinians continue to wear the Keffiyeh as a symbol of solidarity and resistance.

– The reasons for wearing Keffiyeh:

During the Arab Revolt of 1936, the headdress was worn by Palestinian rebels to cover their faces and shield their identity so that they could avoid being arrested, also to symbolize their resistance from governing authorities.

On the other hand they wear it in summer to protect themselves from the intense rays of the sun, as well as wind-swept dust and sand; also as a tool to wipe away sweat. In winter, the scarf is used to shield them against cold temperatures, as well as rain and snow.

Nowadays Keffiyeh has become a fashionable accessory, and the patterns of Keffiyeh are used in clothes.

– Ways of wearing the Keffiyeh:

1 -There is the semi-traditional way, wrapped around the head via an Agal, that’s how Yasser Arafat used to wear it.

2 – The style of a Muslim woman’s Hijab , wrapped around the head and shoulders.

3 -Traditional Head and Face Wrap Combination.

4 -Loose Neck Scarf.

5 -The Bandana style.

– Symbols of the Keffiyeh:

– The colors:

The colors of the stitching in a Keffiyeh are associated with Palestinians’ political sympathies. Traditional black and white Keffiyehs became associated with (The Palestinian National Liberation Movement). Later, the red and white Keffiyehs were adopted by Palestinian Marxists in 1967, such as the The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine).

– The three patterns:

1 – Fishnet Pattern: 

The fishnet distinctive woven checkered pattern represents affinity towards the Palestinian sailor and the connection with the Mediterranean Sea.

2 – Olive Leaves Pattern:

Olive leaves’ distinctive woven checkered pattern represents strength, resilience and perseverance. The olive tree is nearly synonymous with the Palestinian land and culture.

3 – Bold Line Pattern:

The bold line pattern represents trade routes going through Palestine, symbolizing a long history of merchants, travel and culture exchange.

By: Yara Sinokrot