Mother-of-pearl carving in Bethlehem facts for kids

A model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, made in Bethlehem around the late 1600s. You can see it in the British Museum.

Workers in mother-of-pearl in Bethlehem. This photo was taken between 1900 and 1920 by the American Colony, Jerusalem.

Beautiful mother-of-pearl work from Bethlehem, seen in a shop in Ramallah in 2012.

Mother-of-pearl carving is a very old and special craft from Bethlehem. People say that Franciscan friars (religious brothers) from Italy first brought this skill to the city way back in the 1400s.

A Look Back: The History of Mother-of-Pearl Carving

Why Bethlehem Became a Center for This Craft

Bethlehem has always been a very important city for Christians. For hundreds of years, many pilgrims (people who travel for religious reasons) have visited Bethlehem. This constant flow of visitors created a lot of work and income for local people.

Making mother-of-pearl souvenirs was one important job. Women in Bethlehem have been involved in this craft since at least the 1600s. A traveler named Richard Pococke even wrote about it in 1727.

Sharing Bethlehem's Craft with the World

The first time mother-of-pearl items from Palestine were shown in the West was at The World Fair in New York in 1852. Two brothers, Giries and Ibrahim Mansur, showed their amazing work there. They were very successful and impressed many people.

Where Does Mother-of-Pearl Come From?

In the past, most of the oysters that provided mother-of-pearl came from the Red Sea. However, today, the main places that supply mother-of-pearl are Australia, California, New Zealand, and Brazil.

What Can You Make with Mother-of-Pearl?

Today, artists in Bethlehem create many beautiful things from mother-of-pearl. Some popular items include crosses, earrings, brooches, and picture frames. These items are often bought by visitors as special keepsakes.

See Also

• Nacre
• Palestinian handicrafts
• Raden