THE cultural craft of basket and palm frond weaving, which dates back thousands of years in Bahrain, has been given a special base to carry the trade forward and attract tourists.
Artisans are not only practising their skills but teaching the art form too as visitors are wooed into purchasing a rich range of traditional products.
The two-storey House of Basket Weaving in the Fort Village of Karbabad has been restored by architect and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) chief restoration engineering services and project manager Mustafa AlSulaiman and is now open for business.
The idea of the house came about by chance, after officials met a local family still practising the craft of basket-making and palm fronds weaving.
“We noticed that they didn’t have a place or premises where people could visit and purchase products,” explained Baca’s handicrafts director Shouq Al Alawi.
“The plan was to provide them with a permanent place to continue practising their craft, teach other young people and have a place for people to come and enjoy their skill while learning about it.”
The House of Basket Weaving is situated close to Bahrain Fort site which was inscribed as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005.
The Bahrain-designed villa, which boasts a spacious garden full of palm trees and different rooms for the creation of useful products, as well as a creative sketching and design corner, was launched by Baca president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, in the presence of members of the media and other dignitaries.
Organisers were thrilled with the large turnout which included many members of the local community of all ages.
Villages across the kingdom are recognised for specialising in numerous traditional crafts and Karbabad, is famed, in particular, for its inhabitants’ basket-making prowess.
“I want people to learn about the craft and appreciate that there is still a family who has stood the test of time and continue to practise at their home just a few metres from this site,” added Ms Al Alawi.
“It’s very charming to see that the whole family is involved – from the grandmother to the grandchildren – and that is something that touches my heart. The work of generations of talent shines brightly through. I’m sure others will feel the same way once they visit this amazing place.”
Three brothers and their children were the stars of the show on Monday evening displaying their palm frond weaving skills downstairs, using the harder parts of the palm tree to create large basket designs.
“This house is such a great touristic attraction that will admirably help display the beauty of our craft,” said 37-year-old basket-maker from Karbabad, Hassan Al Shajjar.
“Having this space is amazing and we’re proud to showcase our work. I learned when I was 13 from my father and my youngest son, who is eight, is now learning to continue our trade. It’s a complete family business.”
The wives, mother and aunties were seated upstairs weaving and braiding palm fronds into baskets, functional mats, bags, bowls and more.
Long-time friends and Malkiyah neighbours Zahra Ahmed Kadhem and Asma Abdulla Abdul Wahab, were both taught the craft in their childhood by their mothers, and would often visit each other to socialise while practising their skills.
“It’s very much a social activity rather than an individual craft in my opinion,” said Ms Al Alawi. “This house is an open space and offers people the chance to perfect skills.
“We will be working with local families on a programme to present shortly, teaching the details of the craft from how to make the products, as well as how to prepare the materials alongside the drying and cooking process.
“All locally-made products in the house are up for sale and funds raised will go directly to the makers. There are no middlemen. We want to celebrate the talent of local Bahrainis and their craft.”
The house is open daily, except on Friday, from 9am to 1pm and 3.30pm to 7pm.
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