When I came to London in 2001, I brought with me something that was very dear to my mother, God rest her soul. We call it in Arabic “Jodaliyyah” but in English it is a throw. My mother told me that when she got married, it was a custom to give the bride a handmade item to flaunt in front of her husband, as it’s seen as valuable. Her mother gifted her this Jodaliyyah on her wedding day. Hence the Jodaliyyah is really dear to me because my mother gave it to me when I got married and spoke to me about how valuable it is to her. So, I kept it, and when I came here, I brought it with me along with some other things because I cherish it. My mother got married between 1951 and 1952, which makes this piece about 68 years old. It’s woven out of goat’s yarn, with bright colours, shapes and patterns. I’ve recounted this story to my daughter, and explained to her the importance of this item, which links me to beautiful memories with my mother and my house. I have kept it, it smells like my family, my home and my memories. 
Maysoun