Little Stores of Ramallah: Canaanites
According to Amineh, the perfect name for her boutique was Canaanites, since it explored typical Palestinian designs and their connection to the land of Canaan
בוטיק כנעניות לתכשיטים.
Canaanit
Jewelry and Bag Boutique,
Founded 1986
Amineh
Designer, Owner
31 years ago, Amineh, an entrepreneur with a degree in Political Science from Birzeit, decided to open a business specializing in traditional Palestinian crafts and designs. According to Amineh, the perfect name for it was Canaanites, since it explored typical Palestinian designs and their connection to the land of Canaan.
“In the beginning, I only made jewelry, but after a while I started making bags and wallets as well,” says Ms. Amineh and adds: “Nowadays, I work with 30 women. I give them the designs and materials and they make the final product.”
In the future, Amineh plans on working on a project that will allow her to revive forgotten traditions, such as the production of dried fruits. “I am hoping to cultivate an organic fruit and vegetable garden,” she says. “Additionally, I would like to export my bags abroad, I want to challenge the conception that Palestinian design consists only of embroidery and keffiyehs.”
In the future, Amineh plans on working on a project that will allow her to revive forgotten traditions, such as the production of dried fruits. “I am hoping to cultivate an organic fruit and vegetable garden,” she says. “Additionally, I would like to export my bags abroad, I want to challenge the conception that Palestinian design consists only of embroidery and keffiyehs.”