Victoria Dabdoub: Olivewood Bowl

These bowls are about the pursuit of a material. Olivewood is an integral part of our collective material library. Working with it and making sure it remains accessible is a way to honor and reclaim local heritage and materials. 

The bowls are finished with oil and can be used to display and store food. 

The tradition of olivewood carving and woodworking in Bethlehem dates back to the 4th century AD, when Christian priests settled in the area and began carving religious icons and other objects using olivewood. This practice has been passed down through the generations and remains an important part of the cultural identity and economy of the city. Despite the challenges due to political and economic instability in the area, many artisans continue to work with olivewood. In fact, during the 2023-2024 war, olivewood from the north of Palestine was unavailable and nearly impossible to find in the area of Bethlehem due to the massive restriction of movement between cities. With a region that has little local resources, olivewood presents itself with great potential to the local industries. It stands out for its softness, making it easier to carve compared to other woods. With prominent grains, it showcases abundant character, which can be the reason for both appreciating or disliking it.

Handmade in Palestine

Small: 3.5in diameter, 1.25in tall

Medium: 4.5in diameter, 1.25in tall

About VICTORIA DABDOUB: She is an object-maker and cultural manager. She grew up in Bethlehem, Palestine and currently resides in Amman, Jordan. She hold a master’s degree in architecture from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris Val-de-Seine. 

Over the past decade, Victoria worked with many organizations and partners in setting up and running a large portfolio of projects within the cultural and creative industries such as residency management, curation, craft product development, and training and mentorship in product design.