Opuntia ficus-indica, Sabr, Prickly Pear

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by Shevaun Doherty PPSBA

Watercolour on paper

h: 42 w: 29 d: 1 (cms).

The prickly pear cactus, known as 'sabr' in Arabic, holds deep cultural and symbolic significance in Palestine. The word 'sabr' means patience and resilience, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. Traditionally planted around villages and homes as natural fences, the deep roots of prickly pear enable the plants to regrow, long after the villages have disappeared. These prickly hedges become living markers of memory, belonging, and connection to the land. The fruit itself, sweet but protected by sharp thorns, is also seen as a metaphor for strength through hardship, symbolising the idea that perseverance through difficulty can lead to sweetness and survival.

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