Description
This exquisite late 19th to early 20th-century gentleman’s silk abaya (also known as abba or bisht) was hand-loomed in Aleppo, Syria, and commissioned specifically for the Palestinian market.
Crafted from silk, cotton, and metal-wrapped thread, it features elaborate embroidery and is a rare example of Levantine textile artistry.
Historical and Cultural Significance:
The abaya (cloak) is a unisex garment and arguably the most iconic form of traditional Arab dress.
This particular example represents the luxurious silk abayas commissioned by wealthy Bedouins and urban elites from leading textile centres such as Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus.
These garments were often made for special occasions—weddings, ceremonial appearances, or as diplomatic gifts presented to high-ranking officials.
This gentleman’s cloak is distinguished by its traditional structure, typically composed of two sections: usually the lower part is left plain, without decoration, while the upper section is richly adorned.
The decoration often consists of two finely worked geometric motifs—sometimes with vertical stripes or patterns that culminate in a triangular shape at the top.
These embellishments are usually executed in golden tones to contrast elegantly with the base colour of the abaya.
In some cases, as seen in our current lot, the design features a stylized wheat-head plant motif, a symbol commonly associated with prosperity, protection, and socio-religious identity.
Such symbolism would be positioned prominently along the wearer’s back, signifying status and meaning.
Syrian Abayas & Palestinian Fashion:
For centuries, Syrian fabrics were highly sought after across the Muslim world, including in Palestine. Both men and women wore these lavish garments, as documented in historical photography.
The Syrian abaya was considered a status symbol—luxurious, fashionable, and expensive.
Palestinian society, particularly in urban centres, often adopted Syrian textiles to create culturally resonant garments.
Our current lot, with its fine silk and intricate decoration, was most likely made for an important event, possibly intended for the groom to wear on his wedding day.
Please see below, a vintage black and white photo showing two Palestinian woman wearing a Syrian Silk Abaya.
