With its origins in the Persian word "suzan", meaning needle, emerges the suzani - a large, hand-embroidered textile panel. These beautiful pieces were created by nomadic tribes in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. The suzanis have become highly collectable and valued for their beautiful decoration and fine craftsmanship. Besides their aethetic beauty, the suzanis had a symbolic significance and were traditionally made by Brides and their mothers as part of the dowry which was then presented to the groom on the wedding day. They represented the binding together of two families, and were adorned with symbols of luck, health, long life and fertility. Most of the suzani's are embroidered using four stitches — tambour, basma, chain and kanda-khayol. A variety of patterns are created but usually each of these pieces would have some representation of the sun and moon, flowers and creepers, leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasionally fish and birds. These motifs were believed to imbue the suzanis with spiritual powers, offering protection or strength to their owners.