Yasmeen Tams
My Grandmother's Legacy
Broad title: 3 objects that help treat winter illnesses at home according to Palestinian
Irth Siti is an innovative project dedicated to preserving a fading culture. Within the Palestinian community, there is a concerning decline in exposure to traditional practices, leading individuals to seek answers from other cultures due to the need for documented knowledge. This phenomenon is known as the Hakawati effect, where knowledge is transmitted primarily through oral storytelling.
In my chosen field of alternative medicine, I have undertaken the mission of physically documenting the three most prevalent methods for treating illnesses following Palestinian folk medicine. I have designed three essential objects to achieve this: a compress, a therapeutic cup, and a liquid dropper. These tools enable individuals to easily administer home remedies on their own. Moreover, they embody the legacies passed down through generations within families.
The choice of ceramics and textiles as materials for crafting these objects is deliberate. Both materials possess a natural quality that withstands the test of time, especially when cared for diligently. Similarly, they symbolize the importance of nurturing and preserving one's culture. By working with these enduring materials, I emphasize the significance of cherishing and revitalizing cultural practices, ensuring they endure for future generations.
Photographed by: Rawan Joulani