The southern plains are a vast desert, dotted by a few precious, green oasis. The people living here were nomadic Bedouin clans who travelled to provide for the needs of their herds of sheep and camels.

Bedouin clans famous for their beautiful dresses include the clans of Atabaha, Aramadine, Abouj Midein, Al A'zazma and others. Their dresses were unique since they were always made of black cloth, and much larger in cut and volume than Palestinian dresses from other areas. Bedouin thoubs were also distinguished by embroidery found on the front hem of the dress.

A Bedouin bride embroidered her dress with red threads, while a widow used only dark blue thread - the Bedouin color for mourning. A Bedouin widow ready to re-marry, however, would display her "on the market" status by embroidery in both red and blue.