Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
What to Buy in Jerusalem and the Holy Land
Visitors on the lookout for unusual souvenirs, or the
products of different cultures and ages, will certainly
find something to their liking in Jerusalem, either in
the souks and alleyways of the Old City, or in particular
districts of the modern city. Some artifacts, such as
pottery, brass and silver objects, Bedouin textiles
and Arab jewellery, are sold throughout the
Holy Land. However, in Jerusalem you will find an especially
wide range of Jewish religious articles (while other places
concentrate on Christian or Muslim items), and Armenian pottery.
Fish pendants
Copper goblets
Firjan
with spirit stove
Copper- and Brassware
Copper plates, jugs, pots, trays and goblets,
all usually engraved, are found everywhere.
So, too, are traditional firjan (coffee pots)
and large platters made of beaten brass.
Blue Hebron Glass
Most of this attractive glass, in shades of light
blue and turquoise, is made to imitate Roman
and Phoenician vessels. Some modern designs
and full dinner services are also produced.
Armenian Ceramics
The best-known decorative pottery is produced by the
Armenian community, which has had a presence in
Jerusalem since the 4th century
(see pp106-7)
. It is
characterized by the
abundant use of
blue and yellow,
and of floral
motifs. The
designs are
usually
intricate and
painted on a
white ground.
Silver and Pewter Jewellery
The Yemenite tradition of silver filigree work has been
extensively adopted by religious and secular jewellers in
the Holy Land. Look out also for attractive, modern pewter
jewellery set with semi-precious stones, as well as tradi-
tional blue glass-eye and khamsa (hand-shaped) lucky
charms, popular with Arabs and Jews alike.
Olive-wood Objects
Crucifixes, rosaries, Nativity
scenes and figures of Christ,
the Virgin Mary and the
saints carved in hard, light-
coloured and
attractively-
grained olive
wood make
evocative
souvenirs. The
best come
from the
Bethlehem
area.
Blue glass-eye pendants
Modern brooch
Olive-wood sculpture
Silver
khamsa
