Al
Hisn Palace photographed by B Thomas in 1928
A
link to the past always reinforces the rich heritage of a nation and
the Sultanate has been diligently following this track, amassing a wealth
of historical, cultural and social legacies.Often, one may not realise
the significance of adhering to social customs and traditions handed
down through centuries. However, this leads to the preservation of the
identity of a nation despite corrupting influences seeping into society.
Fortunately, the Sultanate has been successful in warding off these
interferences and retaining its rich traditions, heritage and culture.
A
RESIDENT of a mountain village in Dhofar stands in front of the model
of his traditional stone and mud house and, above, the interior of
a mountain dwelling in which logs weave the roof
Pictures by Abdullah Ibrahim al Shuhi
The
records of history include photography and its role in faithfully depicting
the life of a particular time is vital as revealed in an exhibition
of photographs opened as part of the ongoing khareef festival. The rare
photographs taken during the 1930s feature the then significant places
in and around Salalah.The photographs were taken by Bertram Thomas,
who was in Oman as a political emissary from the United Kingdom. During
his spare time, B Thomas gave free rein to his hobby of photography
and ventured into the various regions, spending days together to capture
life in all its aspects, which now points to the rich past of Salalah.
A
town house which still holds sway in Dhofar
The
black and white photographs are remarkable for their subjects ranging
from Dhofari men in traditional dress, folklore dance by women, hairstyle
of boys in which they partly shaved, and girls' hairstyle.The impressive
photographs also include a ritual performed by two men to ward off evil,
extraction of frankincense, a traditional water channel near Ain Sahanwoot,
traditional method of drawing water employing camels, and camels as
a mode of desert transport.The realities of life in the 30s are reflected
in the photos depicting hunters, horsemen and habitations. The significance
of Taqa during those days is underscored in the photo depicting its
entrance and animal enclosures.
The
1930 photograph of Salalah's horsemen
The
historical significance of Salalah comes alive in the photographs of
Al Balid, wadi Maqashan and Shisr near the Empty Quarter.The Royal governance
of Oman reflects in the photographs of Al Hisn Palace while the country's
fame as a maritime trading hub is seen in the photograph of Mirbat harbour
from where thoroughbred Arabian horses were exported.The priceless photographs
taken by Wilfred Thesiger during his adventurous crossing of the Empty
Quarter are also displayed at the exhibition. The photographs include
that of Mohammad, a Rashidi shaikh who gave Thesiger's party their first
major meal for weeks after crossing the Empty Quarter.
Women
wait to welcome the bride with frankincense
The
photograph of Suhail Tahi, a notorious outlaw when younger, is striking.
Tahi was well-known for his knowledge of every waterhole in the desert.The
photo of Mohammad al Auf is also notable as the incomparable Rashidi
guide who led Thesiger across the Empty Quarter. A photograph of Jabal
Qarra, near the Kismim Pass is also displayed at the exhibition. This
area was a watershed which divided the green meadows and spreading trees
from the empty desert.If proof of these valuable photographs was required
that the traditions, heritage and culture of the Sultanate are intact,
a visit to the Heritage Village set up as part of the khareef festival
is sufficient.
A
woman sells frankincense and perfumes at the traditional souk of the
Heritage Village
Oman's
heritage, including habitations, costumes and ceremonial customs which
were practised in the past are all being pursued today.With regard to
traditional dwellings on Dhofar’s mountains, desert and coast,
the necessities of modern life have forced many people to adopt city
and town life.. However, those who remain in these environs have not
abandoned such dwellings.The abodes on the mountains called strait are
absolutely stunning for their aesthetic design and utility. The houses
comprise two parts, the circular stone and mud structure which forms
the walls, and the roof made of neatly arranged wooden logs that go
up from the wall structure in a weaving pattern.
The
houses possess a neatly plastered look as grass adorns the roof externally.
Identical structures are also built for animals by the mountain people.In
the desert environment, the Bedouin tents are striking with their black
woolen rugs pieced together to form the roof and walls. The tents keep
the cold climate in check. The shelter for animals in the desert areas
is called Deema, which is an enclosure made with a tree serving as the
main pillar, from which several logs are attached and thatched with
grass to provide cool shade to camels and cattle.In the wilayat of Shlim,
the traditional stone houses are built without any plastering material.
The circular stone houses have coconut
palm leaves providing the thatched roof. The wall structure is built
by piling stone upon stone which poses no danger even during extreme
climatic conditions.Among the items reflecting Omani heritage is silver
jewellery which is the speciality of Salem Saleh Ismail, who has been
working as a silversmith for the last 40 years. The exquisite pieces
of silver jewellery are still a rage among Arab women, he said.Curiously,
not many people are continuing with the vocation of silversmiths, Ismail
said adding that even his son who was being groomed as a silversmith
abandoned it and preferred a city job.
The
rich cultural heritage of Oman, Ismail stressed, would always remain
and hence one need not worry that the hand-crafted silver jewellery
will at any point of time lose its demand.The social and cultural heritage
preserved through the ages is well reflected in a town house set up
at the Heritage Village where marital customs and traditions are on
display. An authentic bridal room forms part of the house with the traditional
cot and cradle, jewellery and cosmetics. Handwoven mats made of date
palm leaves make up as carpets besides new pillows for the newly wed
couple.The traditional town house is built at two levels with the upper
rooms serving as the bridal room or Mahalla adjacent to the the sitting
room called Mutawal.
A
Bedouin tent which characterises desert life and, above, Salem Saleh
Ismail with his exquisite silver jewellery
The
downstairs part of the house is known as Dahariz.According to traditions,
the bride joins her husband on the wedding day and for a year will remain
with him, without even visiting her parents.In case of emergencies,
she may visit her parents only during night and has to return also during
night during this one-year period.The bridal cot is provided by the
bridegroom's parents while its decoration and the remaining furniture
for the room will be brought by the bride's family. The cot is brightly
decorated and covered at the bottom while the top part is covered with
fine cloth and a decorative band in the centre.
The
traditional cot is made of strong wood with four pillar-like supporters
which are also decoratively painted. The cot has room for hanging a
cradle beneath it.The cloth decoration on the cot is called Ausabeh
and the sheet used for covering the top part is known as Dair. The bride
is ceremonially led into the room as women await to welcome her with
frankincense.The opportunity to see and understand the Sultanate's rich
traditions, heritage and culture is no doubt the result of the pains
taken by the forefathers to protect and pass on the rich legacies to
posterity.
©
Adapted from Oman Observer. Nizwa.NET is not responsible for errors.
