BAHRAINI heritage was in the spotlight as traditional attire hand-embroidered with gold and silver threads was displayed at an event in Awali yesterday.
Colourful garments for men and women, dating back decades, were showcased during an awareness lecture held as part of the Southern Governorate Heritage Programme.
Children and Mothers’ Welfare Society cultural committee head Ebtisam Aljamea stressed the importance of educating youngsters about their traditions to ensure the continuity of Bahraini heritage.
“We have displayed traditional gowns and bisht (a male garment worn in celebrations over thobe) which were all hand-embroidered by Bahraini women,” said Ms Aljamea.
“In olden days, people wore different gowns with a variety of designs, depending on the occasion and season, and we also have a range of head-pieces sported by the rich as well as members of the royal family.
“Traditional Bahraini garments are unique because of the precision involved in the embroidery and threading as well as the beauty and brightness of the final product created completely by hand.
“We must ensure the continuity of our intangible heritage because it is part of our national identity and it’s critical to pass it on to future generations.”
The session was attended by members of Dar Al Manar for Parents Care, Children and Mothers’ Welfare Society and Dar Durrat Al Riffa for Parents Care and school children.
Among the gowns on display were those created through Al Naqda, which is part of Bahraini heritage, and it highlights a time when women’s attire was hand-embroidered with silver thread, using a special needle known as Al Naqda. Featured mostly in thoubs worn by women, bukhnaqs, and scarves, Al Naqda embroidery has a hammered appearance achieved by the khoos strands used to create the designs.
“We remember wearing those dresses when we were young and it’s important to pass this intangible part of our heritage to future generations,” said a member of Dar Al Manar for Parents Care.
“Attire for men and women has changed over the years, but it’s important to ensure the tradition lives on by educating our children about our culture.
“Different clothes were worn for different occasions and seasons, and although the styles have changed over the years, these initiatives are critical to ensure the traditions continue and children know how their forefathers dressed and what their clothes were made of.”
The Southern Governorate Heritage Programme continues on Thursday with a workshop about hospitality ethics and an introduction to desert plans on Sunday.
Meanwhile, children will be educated about the landmarks in the governorate on August 24 followed by a photo-exhibition on August 27 detailing its history.
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