Inside Hirbawi, Palestine's last remaining keffiyeh factory - in pictures

  • The Hirbawi factory is the last remaining maker of the authentic Palestinian keffiyeh. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    The Hirbawi factory is the last remaining maker of the authentic Palestinian keffiyeh. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • It was founded in 1961 by Yasser Hirbawi. Sarah Maisey / The National
    It was founded in 1961 by Yasser Hirbawi. Sarah Maisey / The National
  • The distinctive square headscarf, with its striking fishing net pattern, is a cornerstone of Arab culture. Sarah Maisey / The National
    The distinctive square headscarf, with its striking fishing net pattern, is a cornerstone of Arab culture. Sarah Maisey / The National
  • Hirbawi produces the scarves in a range of hues and patterns. Sarah Maisey / The National
    Hirbawi produces the scarves in a range of hues and patterns. Sarah Maisey / The National
  • When the Hirbawi factory opened in the West Bank’s largest city, it was one of 30 such factories producing the distinctive keffiyeh. Sarah Maisey / The National
    When the Hirbawi factory opened in the West Bank’s largest city, it was one of 30 such factories producing the distinctive keffiyeh. Sarah Maisey / The National
  • The future of the keffiyeh is by no means certain. Sarah Maisey / The National
    The future of the keffiyeh is by no means certain. Sarah Maisey / The National
  • In its heyday, the Hirbawi factory alone weaved 1,000 scarves a day – its machines running for 18 hours a day just to keep up with the demand. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    In its heyday, the Hirbawi factory alone weaved 1,000 scarves a day – its machines running for 18 hours a day just to keep up with the demand. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • Yasser Al Hirbawi stands behind a portrait of Yasser Arafat. AFP Photo
    Yasser Al Hirbawi stands behind a portrait of Yasser Arafat. AFP Photo
  • A scarf available from Hirbawi. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    A scarf available from Hirbawi. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • A model shows off a deep blue scarf. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    A model shows off a deep blue scarf. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • In red. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    In red. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • A classic look. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    A classic look. Photo: HirbawiUSA
  • By 2008, Hirbawi was the only such site still in business, and its production had dropped to only 100 scarves a day. Photo: HirbawiUSA
    By 2008, Hirbawi was the only such site still in business, and its production had dropped to only 100 scarves a day. Photo: HirbawiUSA