The Naqada Weaving Project  - Traditional hand-woven scarves

The village of Naqada lies on the West Bank of the Nile between Luxor and Qena.

It has been a centre for weaving for many centuries. The "ferka", a long-length scarf, woven in fine designs and colours, is the main speciality of the Naqada weavers. In the past it was worn by Sudanese women on three major occasions of their life: marriage, childbirth and male circumcision.

Originally the "ferka" was woven with a cotton and silk blend of yarn. In the last 50 years, artificial fibres have been introduced into the blend in order to increase the brightness of the fabric. The weaving work is still mainly done at home, using simple handlooms of a type that has been in use since Pharaonic times.The cessation of the trade with Sudan and the up and downs of tourism have left many weavers without employment. Most of them are illiterate and landless.

Church workers in the area have been helping to alleviate their situation by bringing their products to Cairo. Nowadays, the weavers of Naqada are producing a series of new products, mainly light scarves from high-quality cotton in various designs and colours.