Tally or Tulle-bi-telli : is a cotton or linen net fabric embroidered with metal strips in individual stitches.

Made in Upper Egypt (Assiut-Sohag) since the late 19th century. Traditionally, the metal strips would be real silver or gold, but due to the high cost are now replaced by cheaper golden color or silver color metallic strips.

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The Egyptian Motifs distinguish the Tally from metal embroidery in other cultures. They are a representation of life in Upper Egypt like weddings, religious symbols, folk beliefs, nature, or objects used in the daily life.

The Tally art was passed along from mother to daughter, and it was customary for every bride in that area to get a shawl as a wedding gift from her family or the groom’s.

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Our Tally pieces are embroidered by the hands of the highly skilled ladies in  Geziret Shandawil, in Sohag governorate, in Upper Egypt.