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In cities such as Damascus, Istanbul, and Cairo, embroidery could be found on items such as handkerchiefs, flags, uniforms, robes, horse trappings, pouches, and covers. Moreover, embroidery was important and in the Medieval Islamic world because it was a sign of high social status in Muslim societies. Richly decorated garments and ornaments in the form of wall hangings and tablecloths were commissioned to display power and wealth. Around the year 1000, the practice of embroidery began to rise in Europe with the growth of the Christian church and royalty gaining power. In Sweden, the earliest finds of embroidery are from a period known as the Viking Age, around the 9th and 10th centuries. Other early examples of embroidery are found in China dating to the Warring States period between 5th and 3rd century B.C. Archeological finds from this time period reveals fossilized remains of heavily hand-stitched and decorated clothing. Early embroidery can actually be traced back to Cro-Magnon days or 30,000 B.C.
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While embroidery is practiced across the world, its origin stems from China and the Near East. In various forms, embroidery has existed since the production of fabric. The word embroidery comes from the French word broderie, meaning embellishment. Embroidery is the craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn.