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The art of cultural tradition tradition

September 1 - 7, 2010
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Gulf Weekly The art of cultural tradition tradition


Traditional Bahrain meets the designer kingdom in a unique display of local arts and crafts set amongst the biggest names in fashion.

Throughout the holy month of Ramadan five Bahraini artisans are showcasing their skills and wares at Moda Mall.

Situated in the centre of the Jewellery Court, a Ramadan tent set up by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's small and craft industries, features pieces from the makers of dolls, miniature dhows, jewellery boxes, rugs and huts.

They normally ply their trade at the Craft Industries Development Centre in Manama, which nurtures and develops traditional enterprises on the island.

Pretty dolls representing the Bahraini elite of a bygone era catch the eye with their colourful attire and ornamental attachments. Doll-maker Maryam Mahmood Al Murbati from East Riffa has been creating the characters since childhood.

Mrs Al Murbati said: "My father was a wood sculptor and my mother made handicrafts. When I was small I would watch them and began making my own dolls.

"I use thread to outline the facial features and use dough to fill out the heads. The hands and legs are stuffed with cotton."

The dolls are dressed in Bahraini thobes and besht for men and the jalabeya, bukhnaq and thob nashel for women. They are particularly popular with tourists and have been snapped up for anything between BD8 to BD100.

Her complete doll sets include characters carrying out daily chores like fishing, farming, cooking and grinding as well as dressing up for grander functions such as weddings.

Isa Abdulla's table features the traditional Bahraini boat, the dhow, in various sizes. Mr Abdulla has been creating his unique miniatures since 1980.

Mr Adbulla, 49, from Manama, set aside a career working for a large company to concentrate on his passion and it appears to have paid off. He now boasts a clientele list which includes members of royal families from across the region.

He said: "I love using Indian teak wood -the grains give the dhows a very nice finish."

Mr Abdulla's dhows fetch between BD10 and BD500 depending on the size. He also makes traditional wooden doors and windows and ancient wind-tower models.

Karzakan-based Kadhem Ali followed in his father's footsteps and has been making Bahraini jewellery boxes for 10 years. He now boasts his own stall in Bahrain Mall.

Mr Ali, 31, said: "In the olden days these boxes were used in most households to preserve items such as gold or clothes."

There is also a rush to catch rug-maker Sabah Abdulla in action. She uses a pile of wool extracted from Bahraini sheep to dexterously weave her creations, which include hand-woven carpets, cushions and mounted artwork.

Visitors marvel at her while she dexterously weaves her creations.

The production process consists of nine steps, including separating, washing, spinning, weaving and colouring.

Mrs Abdullah is one of the celebrated women from Diraz village who produce high-quality woollen products. Her creations start from as little as BD1.5.

Models of Barastaj - the ancient local huts of Bahrain, which are made of palm leaves, are built by Abdul Hussain Al Qabar, 55, from Janabiya and cost from BD8 to BD500.

He started his business in 1990 and is now helped by his sons. Mr Al Qabar also showcases traditional baskets, created by his wife.

Narjis Haider Al Moosawi, director of the Small and Craft Industries initiative, believes the exhibition has given the craftsmen and women a great opportunity to showcase their talents.

The exhibition is open every Saturday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8pm to 11pm during Ramadan.







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