The ancient town of Naqada, which lies on the historical West Bank of the Nile, neighboring ancestral Luxor, has been considered one of the weaving powerhouses of Egypt for as long as anyone can recall. Although this town isn’t a big tourist draw nowadays, the necropolis of Naqada was the resting place for entire generations of pharaohs more than five thousand years ago. Demographically, three quarters of the population is Christian, and several abandoned monasteries surround the area.
Our 70 artisans in Naqada Silk Weaving Project hand weave traditional Upper Egypt long scarves and sheaths called “ferkas,” which for centuries were exported to Sudanese women to help them celebrate social milestones, like circumcision, marriage and childbirth. Our “ferkas” display distinctive geometrical patterns and opalescent fabrics, which set them apart from other traditional motifs and fabrics of nearby towns. They come in different materials and shapes, such as fancy, shiny viscose in three sizes (including a large one that may double as a curtain), or crisp, matte cotton in our regular, wardrobe-friendly dimension.
Weavers in Naqada were particularly affected by the trade embargo against Sudan that began a couple of decades ago. The inability to sell their goods across the border on a daily basis forced them to have to rely solely on the occasional tourist sale, which is at best seasonal. Trading with FTE has enabled Naqada Silk Weaving Project artisans to receive a steady income and bring a certain amount of financial stability to this predominantly rural part of the country. With additional wages, these artisans can improve their formal education and invest in their land. Sales from our Naqada “ferkas” go directly towards providing the weavers with welfare benefits.
100% Egyptian ferka scarves. Their colorful designs and weaving technique are specific to ancient "ferkas", traditional Sudanese apparel, which is handwoven in Naqada and has been exported from there to Sudan for centuries. Their natural fibers make them a versatile addition to your wardrobe year-round.