Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Jewish Liturgical Articles
These often beautifully-made objects
include the kippah (male skullcap),
tallit (pure wool prayer shawl),
kiddush (blessing) cup,
besamim (spice-holder),
mezuzah (prayer container
hung at front doors) and
shofar (ram's horn blown
for Yom Kippur).
Kippah
and
tallit
Silver
mezuzah
Silver
besamim
Shofar
Rugs and Fabrics
Robust and vividly
coloured Bedouin
rugs, cushions and
bags made from the
cloth formerly used as
Bedouin saddle covers,
and traditional, finely
embroidered Palestinian
dresses are popular buys.
Palestinian fabrics
Bedouin fabrics
Bedouin cushion covers
Ancient Household Articles and Coins
Reputable dealers in finds from archaeological
sites will often have attractive basalt, earthenware
and stone kitchen vessels, small terracotta
amphorae and Roman and Phoenician glass-
ware. Coins from many historical periods are
fairly plentiful, but beware of fakes.
Beauty Products from the Dead Sea and Nablus
A vast range of creams, soap, salts and Dead Sea mud, using
the mineral properties of the unique Dead Sea salt, is sold to
alleviate skin conditions. Nablus soap,
which has olive oil and less
than two per cent caustic soda
as its only ingredients, is cheap,
fragrant and long-lasting, and
is good for use in dry climates.
Nablus soap
Dead Sea lotions
Local Delicacies
Specialist shops stocked with large sacks
of nuts, dried fruits, pulses and dried
vegetables are fascinating places to
explore. They often sell spices, too. All these
products make good buys as they are easy
to carry, and keep well at home.
Dried apricots
Dried red
peppers and
aubergines
Chickpeas
Mulberries
Almonds
Pistachio nuts
