Al-Samou’ is known for carpet weaving using traditional methods, which is one of the oldest industries in Palestine, mainly concentrated in Hebron and Gaza. Traditional ground loom carpets are made with 100% local sheep’s wool and their making is a heritage craft that is in danger of being lost. Rug weaving is an integral part of the culture of south Palestine. When a woman gets married, she brings with her a rug to her new home called mizwadeh and bsaat, which has green, red, black, and white colours, while the groom gets a white and red bjaad. The wool is felted and coloured at home using natural dyes. The rugs take a few months to make, depending on their size. They are each unique and you can never find two identical pieces.
Om Issa is a prominent figure in rug weaving in Al-Samou’ and she has had an outstanding contribution to keeping this tradition alive by teaching and training other women in the village. Al-Samou’ weavers produce high quality and durable carpets, rugs, bags, purses, and much more. But rug weaving is not all you can find at Om Issa’s home. Abu Issa, who has been a farmer for as long as he recalls, is a specialist in preparing Innabeyeh (grape jam). He raises cattle and has seasonal produce of jameed (sun-dried cheese), sheep milk, ghee, and many other baladi treats.
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Product Selling Points: On location, through nativenaseej.