Siwan embroidery (tatris in Arabic) is the most famous handicraft of Siwa practiced over centuries and passed down from mother to daughter. The embroidery is known for its intricate designs, that reflect the region’s culture. It’s unique to this region and its designs can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

Siwan embroidery is exclusivley made by women and is done using silk thread. The colors used in embroidery are bold and vibrant, with the most commonly used colors being green, orange, yellow, red, and black. These colors represent the riping process of the dates, the oasis most important product. The symbols are unique and all have their own name and meaning. While before they were used as amulets for protection and good luck, today, unfortunatley, this knowledge has mostly been lost. Now, embroidery is mainly used to decorate traditional wedding dresses, scarves and the beautiful Tarfutet, the blue cover women still wear and can be spotted on the streets.