handicraft festival 2016 - brochure artwork 17 items.indd

Handicraft Festival 2016 - Brochure artwork 17 items.indd 1 7/14/16 10:29 AM

Intr

oduc

tion

The traditional crafts and industries are regarded as a cultural product of the live interaction processes between the local communities on account of the cultural visions and values and natural habitat on the one hand, and between them and the other communities on the other hand. Hence, these traditional crafts and industries are not only a manifestation of civilization, but tools for the expression of the society’s culture and authenticity as well as a true component of the collective cultural memory that incarnates the life features and the stages through which the society has passed. Conservation and promotion of the conventional crafts and industries has grown by a popular demand, with many countries viewing this as confirmation of their national identity, with all the uniqueness of their peculiarities and characteristics, which are a source of their pride and self esteem. In its endeavor to preserve its cultural heritage, the Kingdom of Bahrain represents one of those countries which have become keenly aware of the roles that these crafts and industries may play in determining its national identity and highlighting its cultural heritage which is linked to its present as well as its past as a country where the past, present and future ties combine in one contemporary entity characterized by its uniqueness. The type and nature of the crafts and industries in any society are influenced by the environment and its primary components, as well as the life style adopted in the traditional industries for which Bahrain is famous, and are closely associated with and linked to the basic needs of the individual in a community which relies on the sea, agriculture and commerce for his living, and whose raw substance are derived from the materials available in the environment, and therefor the environment has played a remarkable role in determining the types of industries and crafts that the Bahraini person engaged in in the past. As a result, this industry is characterized by sheer variety in order to fulfill the requirements of the various activities that the Kingdom had in abundance throughout its history, including pearling, diving, fishing and agriculture in addition to trading activities which has attracted large numbers of the people of the neighboring countries and regions who were looking to earn a living. Hence, many of the Bahraini people got involved in these industries which spread inside and outside the cities. The crafts are now pursued in markets which are named after them, such as the blacksmith markets, Tanakah market, the goldsmith market, the gypsum market, Tawawish markets and other names, besides other markets which are held outside the cities in some of the open yards and fields which attracted the farmers and the environmental craft artisans on certain days. For this reason, the markets came to be known by the name of the day on which they are held, such as Wednesday market and Thursday market.


Other villages became famous for some of the crafts practiced in the agricultural environment, such as the textile industry in Bani Jamrah village, basket weaving in Karbabad village, pottery in Ali village and AlSaffah in Jassrah village, while Manama and Muharraq cities are famous for vessel industry and related tools. The legacy left by these industries is testimony to the skill and precision of the Bahraini artisan in the production of substances which meet the basic needs of the community and which bestows on the artisan a prominent social status. This has prompted the artisans to pass on their craft to their sons and to teach them the craft fundamentals and secrets. Thus, these crafts passed on through the successive generations of the families and became a source of pride to us to the extent that the family names became linked to the craft that the family is engaged in such as the Haddad, Al-Hayky, Al-Gallaf, Al-Jassas and other family names. However, in the light of the momentous changes which affected the society’s lifestyles and the fast spread of the foreign consumption pattern and its social penetration of the various social groups, the traditional industries have seen visible retreat because the sons now shy away from engaging in them. The remaining artisans are now on the verge of departing our world which threatens these industries with extinction. Hence the attention that the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, represented by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, is paying to the promotion of these industries by means of suitable policies that seek to provide the necessary mechanisms in the light of existing circumstances and also seeks on the other hand to pool the resources and efforts and channel them in a manner consistent with the objectives. Within this framework, an artisan centre has been established that is concerned with reviving the traditional crafts which are looked at as part of the country’s legacy and heritage. The Centre was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister in the year 1991 in Al-Jasrah village. Under the roof of this Centre, the Bahraini artisan practices his profession, using the tools and implements he inherited. The carpenter is still using his chisel and saw for producing beautiful pieces of furniture, engraved boxes and wooden vessels. The weaver is working with his manual implement to produce intricately designed fabrics. The potter is still using his hands and legs to run his wheel to turn incense burners, jars and glazed utensils. All of this is combined with a contemporary spirit which is reflected in the modern designs produced with state of the art computer software which the artisan uses to advance his craft for consistency with the spirit and demands of this age. Al Jasra Centre for Handicrafts is considered to be one of the most important official agencies which tasked themselves with the development of the handicrafts industries and the artisans involved in them in the Kingdom in general. The center management has paid great attention to the components of training and marketing. The Centre organizes summer courses for school students as well as for any person who wishes to enroll as a fist step to engaging in the various handicrafts and industries, as part of the project “Preservation of the manual craft and industries”. The more important phase is the establishment of a specialized craft training academic center, which is the first of its kind in the region. It will serve the sons of Bahrain and the area. The center has actually been built on the land adjacent to Al Jasra Centre. As for the marketing element, the Centre has adopted state of the art marketing techniques, the most salient of which is e-marketing and opening of sales points at the most important tourist attraction areas in the Kingdom in addition to participation in specialized exhibitions and meetings of handicrafts, locally, regionally and globally.

Bahrain Tourism & ExhiBiTions auThoriTy


Al B

aras

taj Bahrain was widely known in the past, similar to any rural

areas, for its popular ‘Palm Tree Houses (Alarish), primarily made out of palm tree products as such the trunk and fronds. This structure is large and has a rectangular base, built from palm leaves and gabled roof, which gives it a distinctive form. The structure is called ‘Albarastaj’ and it has one entrance and sometimes comes with some windows. The building of Albarastaj requires skilled professionals.


“The structure is called ‘Albarastaj’ and it has one entrance and sometimes comes with some windows. The building of Albarastaj requires skilled professionals.”


Al N

aqda

h Women in the past used to dress for social occasions in clothes embroidered with real silver thread known as “Naqdah”. These are silver embroideries prepared with a special needle. Nowdays, the ladies in the workshop do Naqdah work on modern products like napkins, table and bed covers as weel as gift bags among other things. This has helped in preserving and keeping alive he beautiful craft of Naqdah embroidery.


“Women in the past used to dress for social occasions in clothes embroidered with real silver thread known as “Naqdah.”


Enam

el P

aint

ing Mrs. Jameela BuHussain paints on various items extracted

from the local environment such as glass, paper, pottery and metal. She also paints with enamel, which is a colored substance in the form of glass powder; It’s melted onto bronze under high temperature to form layers of attractive colors, Which is later used to make simple designs of accessories. Jameela also works on decoupage which is the sticking and drawing on wood, porcelain, pottery, steel and marble. Her drawings are inspired by Bahraini culture.


“She also paints with enamel, which is a colored substance in the form of glass powder; It’s melted onto bronze under high temperature to form layers of attractive colors.”


Palm

Pap

ers Since 1990, parts of the palm tree have been used in an

innovative way - to make paper out of the pulp of its leaves. The Bahrain Child and Mother Welfare Society adopted this project in January 1990 as a pioneer project of the Society under the supervision of the Ministry of Development and Industry at that time. Thereafter the entire project came under the supervision and management of the Society alone. The palm leaf paper is made by Bahraini girls adding considerable value and social esteem. The basic purpose of this project is social development, through training girls who cannot pursue education. They gain the skills required for this kind of job and take advantage of the easy availability of palm leaves all over Bahrain.


“Since 1990, parts of the palm tree have been used in an innovative way - to make paper out of the pulp of its leaves.”


Al M

adee

d Almadeed (plural; singular is Almada) is considered to be one of the indigenous agricultural industries practiced by craftsmen. Almadeed was quite popular among the community as the product was used in many homes, mosques and cafes; furnished on the ground to cover the wooden chairs. The manufacturing process of Almadeed relies on a plant called ‘Al Asal’, which is a type of plant that usually grows near water, swamps or farms with widely dispersed water. The manufacturer process uses a wooden machine called ‘Al Haff’ that runs along holes interspersed with ropes and this is how the machine controls the thickness of each product ‘Almada’. The machine – Al Haff – needs two individuals to man it; the first a manufacturer and an assistant. Each ‘Almada’ is known for solidity and durability and its best used for the warm weather due to the small holes embedded within the product.


“The manufacturing process of Almadeed relies on a plant called ‘Al Asal’, which is a type of plant that usually grows near water, swamps or farms with widely dispersed water.”


Cer

amin

a Mrs. Mina Daruish produces an array of most incredible and unique creations using ceramic paste made from glue and corn flour. Reflecting Bahraini culture, her products include delicate flowers, accessories like necklaces and other figurines.


“Reflecting Bahraini culture, her products include delicate flowers, accessories like necklaces and other figurines.”


Wus

har

or W

oode

n Ta

bles

The wooden tables are made using Red or Meranti woods which are veneered with ceramic, glass and copper. Marble is also added to the surface of the table to give it an appeal and to ease in the cleaning process. Islamic imprints are taken into account when manufacturing the tables that are produced in different sizes and for different purposes to suit customers’ needs.


“The wooden tables are made using Red or Meranti woods which are veneered with ceramic, glass and copper.”


Dol

l and

Pup

pet

Mak

ing The doll industry, or what is popularly called Almuddood, is

considered cottage industries which are exercised by girls with the help of their mothers. It represented a fine example of a woman’s proper housekeeping and home management as well as a sign of well bringing of her daughters. Bird bones and palm tree fronds are used for making the body of the doll while old cloth and fabric rags are used to sew the clothes for the dolls. Perhaps the dolls industry is the one in which Al-Jasra Handicraft Center for has introduced most of the development in several aspects. The development covered the materials used in making the body of the doll as well as the quality of the fabric uses. The dolls have been promoted to highlight the great cultural legacy of the old folkloric costumes of which Bahrainis are very proud. The traditional Bahraini costume is considered one of the beautiful styles which reflect the elegant taste and sheer sentiment of the Bahraini person. Both male and female Bahraini costumes are characterized by compatibility with nature in terms of color and type. There are as many female costumes as there are occasions. The female Nashl dress is used to celebrate weddings, happy occasions and marriages and is still used today. There is also Al-darra’ah, Al-mufaha, Al-bakhnaq, the latter is the dress for young girls, in addition to Al-abaiyah (ad-Daffah). Villagers, too, have the costumes which set them apart from the others, such as Al-mushamar, Al-Sirwal and other kinds of garb. The standard costume for men is Thoabe, Ghutrah and the ‘Ugal. The Bisht (cloak) is used on formal ceremonies, weddings and others.


“The doll industry, or what is popularly called Almuddood, is considered cottage industries which are exercised by girls with the help of their mothers.”


Fabr

ic W

eavi

ngFabric weaving is one of the ancient traditional crafts with deep roots in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain as it has been known to man and passed on from generation to generation. It has managed to meet most of the population needs of clothes and other requirements where fabric threads are used. The textile industry was wide spread in certain villages, such as Abu Saybi, Dar Kulayb and Makabah. Thereafter, the industry was restricted to Bani Jamrah village which in the past hosted close to a hundred factories that employed almost all residents of the village. These factories were nothing but modest huts of palm fronds where the weaver and his family members would seek refuge from the heat of the sun. Their village was a bustling market which people frequented to buy their requirements, and their fabrics were exported to the various Gulf regions. The weaving machines are considered highly complex manual tools where wooden panels, bamboo and some fine threads and ropes are used. They are manufactured to exacting engineering specifications that would render the machine usable for a long period of time without any damage, though they may require maintenance from time to time. The fabric weaving itself is a fast, meticulous and highly precise process that requires a great deal of mental and physical coordination as the weaver uses both his hands and legs and distributes and overlaps the threads into each other in a systematic and coordinated manner. The weaver would weave from three to five meters a day. Cotton threads, which are predominantly red and black, are used in the process. Also wool and silk threads are used. A Bahraini weaver would weave many of the men’s garbs, such as azar, ghutar (head dresses), bisht (cloaks) as well as female dresses. The weavers also weave boat sails and mats which are used as carpets. Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre is awash with locally made fabric products, such as shawls and other, which are very popular among tourists owing to their beauty and strength.


“Fabric weaving is one of the ancient traditional crafts with deep roots in the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain as it has been known to man and passed on from generation to generation..”


Pott

ery The pottery industry is one of the industries that Bahrain has

been famous for since old times and spread of which over thousands of years has been substantiated by archeological research. Many artifacts have been located in the excavations of the various archeological sites. This spread was mainly due to the abundant availability of suitable materials for this industry at that time and to the people’s need for pottery utensils for cooking and conservation of water. A special mud from Riffa’ and characterized by good quality, high purity and malleability is used in the pottery industry. The mud is usually placed in purpose designed basins and is mixed with water into paste using the feet to facilitate formation. Pottery utensils are made using a machine turned by the artisan. The machine which is placed in a hole that covers half his body, consists of a wheel usually made of wood or iron and is moved by another wheel made of a circular stone moved by the artisan from below using his leg. During the rotation of the wheel in front of him, the artisan would shape the dough with his figures inside the vessel, as he is forming the walls from inside. Then, the vessel is decorated and exposed to the sun to dry and then placed in the oven provided for this purpose. Pottery is regarded as one of the traditional industries that Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre sought to promote in support of the demands of contemporary life without losing its authenticity. The pottery applications have transcended its conventional uses as utensils used for food and drink to other innovative applications, in addition to the introduction of other substances in the process such as imported clay and glazed colors whose fixation on the clay relies on burning, besides the modern furnaces used in the burning process. The pottery products at display at the Centre are models of the artistic development attained by the Bahraini artisan who has inherited this craft from his forefathers.


“Pottery is regarded as one of the traditional industries that Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre sought to promote in support of the demands of contemporary life without losing its authenticity.”


Shi

p Bu

ildin

g Ship building is one of the traditional industries that the sons of the Kingdom of Bahrain are famous for since old times and which is associated with their life as a nation which lives off the sea, and whose sailors are seafarers who called at the various ports of the world. This is an industry which Bahrainis excelled in and in which they left quite visible marks and prints. The kinds of ships include Al-banush (Dhow), Abloom, Albaghlah and many other types which are used in fishing, diving, pearling and passenger and cargo transportation. The ship industry used to be concentrated in the cities of Manama and Muharraq but the most famous was located in Naeem and Ras Ruman. In Muharraq, this industry was concentrated on the coastal area opposite the city where the skilled artisans called Gallafoon or Gallaf are engaged in this industry. The industry is based on the lumber which it imported from India. The wood varieties include humidity resistant sage and pine wood. The industry is also based on the use of carpentry tools and implements, such as Almajdah, Algaddoom, the saw and other tools. The building of the ship begins in the designated station on the shore of the sea where the Gallaf would determine its dimensions, lengths, width and height according to its type and the purpose for which the ship will be used, and in accordance with highly precise measurements so as to maintain the equilibrium of the vessel when sailing, which is testament to the skill of the Bahraini Gallaf. After determination of the size, work proceeds directly with the installation of the main hull by anchoring the base or the backbone of the vessel, followed by installation of the structure members. Then the Gallaf would fix the external panels with metal nails followed by installation of the Fannah which is the deck of the vessel, then the Deggal or the mast. The process is crowned by the use of cotton and tar to stop the gaps and the vessel is painted with Sal oil. Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre goes to great lengths to preserve this industry by sponsoring some of the artisans who excelled in the manufacture of wooden vessels in their conventional form, but in miniature sizes that the tourists can acquire and carry them away as memorabilia.


“The ship industry used to be concentrated in the cities of Manama and Muharraq but the most famous was located in Naeem and Ras Ruman.”


Trad

itio

nal C

hest

s Isthe wood chests used in most Arab Gulf, and was acquired by the people and given a dedicated place in their homes. Mubayet chests are made of wood and are mostly used to keep and store clothes, gold jewelry and other valuable acquisitions, including money and official documents and papers. They are equipped with sturdy locks to guard against loss or theft of their contents. They are also characterized by their heavy weight that make it impossible to easily relocate them elsewhere. They stand on four wooden cylinder shape pillars which isolate the floor from the bottom of the chest to protect it from humidity of the floor. It is worth noting that these boxes represent the bridegroom’s gift to his bride on their wedding night where his other gifts of clothes, perfumes and gold are kept and which accompany the bride to her matrimonial home. The storage chest is made of sage or saisam wood. These are varieties of wood with high resistance to rot for lengthy periods of time. The wood color tends to be blackish brown. The artisan’s skill and precision are reflected in the engravings made in yellow metal film which is studded on all sides of the chest, excluding the back. The bright color of the chest which is coated with sesame oil further amplifies the beauty of the engravings and motifs. Besides the inbuilt chest which is characterized by excessive decorations and large size, there are other types of chests, such as Al-ghatam box with minimal decorations and motifs. The box comes with a smooth surface and is used to store kitchen utensils, foodstuffs and clothes. There is also Buhubal box which is wrapped in tough ropes and is used in travel. Al-bishtakhta is another small box usually used by boat captains and divers for keeping and sorting pearls by size and quality. It is also used for keeping official documents and papers. The inbuilt chest industry represents one of the traditional industries that Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre seeks to develop and promote through the encouragement of the artisans to be creative in manufacturing them and by extending to them the opportunity to display and sell their products in various sizes. They are very popular with the patrons who buy them along with the furniture and mirrors made in the same spirit of the chests.


“It is worth noting that these boxes represent the bridegroom’s gift to his bride on their wedding night where his other gifts of clothes, perfumes and gold are kept and which accompany the bride to her matrimonial home. ”


Gyp

sum

Eng

ravi

ngBahrain has been famous since old times for its architecture which is characterized by an aesthetic uniqueness where the artisans and artists engaged in and have excelled while preserving the spirit of Bahrain authentic character. The beauty that characterizes this architecture in Bahrain are the gypsum engravings which covered the houses, especially those owned by known families in Bahrain and which are still existing in the large cities such as Muharraq and Manama. They represent the most salient features of the conventional architecture in Bahrain especially if we consider their precision, elegance and power which reflect the creativity and rich imagination of the Bahraini artisan. The gypsum engravers used simple tools, such as locally made knives, rulers, compasses and other tools which are helpful in drawing the various motifs that are put up on the various walls, window frames, arches and other parts of the old houses. Gypsum was not used solely on the basis of aesthetic values but also because of its nature as it absorbs humidity during the night and when the sun rises this humidity evaporates and adds a fine ambiance to the rooms and the house. The artisan gave names to these decorative motifs which are usually derived from the artisan’s environment such as baidhanah, magabis, mozah, al-wardah, eshjeri, muthluthah, kamar, silsilah and others. Today gypsum models are made in Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre for the Kingdom’s antique houses and their distinctive doors, in addition to models of the archeological sites.


“The gypsum engravers used simple tools, such as locally made knives, rulers, compasses and other tools which are helpful in drawing the various motifs.”


Del

al A

l Ras

lan Traditionally, Arabic Coffee Pots made out of pure copper –

better known as Dalal Al Raslan – hold a sentimental place in the hearts of the people as it symbolizes generosity and hospitality. The pots are traditionally manufactured using two different types of metals (red or yellow) and when a higher purity of copper is used the quality of the Pot is enhanced. The pot is maintained by shinning it frequently. The Dalal Al Raslan is made up of different types and sizes and the pots are known under different names. The pots can be found at various markets however the handmade pots remain to be the most popular due to its distinctive authenticity and purity of cooper used.


“The pots are traditionally manufactured using two different types of metals (red or yellow) and when a higher purity of copper is used the quality of the Pot is enhanced.”


Leat

her

Cra

ft Leather design and adaptation is a challenge in a sense that a precise science is adopted to produce accessories in a beautiful manner. Natural leather is used and combined with threads and gemstones in order to produce an accessory that is handmade while maintaining the characteristics and natural form of the materials.


“Leather design and adaptation is a challenge in a sense that a precise science is adopted to produce accessories in a beautiful manner.”


Art

of P

rinti

ngThe art of printing uses different types of materials such as wood, glass, copper, ceramic, porcelain, textile and others. The design usually focuses on images and traditional symbols that highlight Bahrain’s culture and tradition. The first stage of design focuses on understanding the type of design required such as design of perfume or clothes and much more. The search begins with researching books and other materials for inspiration. Next a sketch is developed and a material for printing is selected. The final stage is printing the design on the material, manually or using a computer.


“The art of printing uses different types of materials such as wood, glass, copper, ceramic, porcelain, textile and others.”


handicraft festival 2016 - brochure artwork 17 items.indd

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