The Craft Heritage of Oman (I & II)

The Craft Heritage of Oman (I II)

n this set of two books, a tribute to Oman’s artisans and the rich traditions.

By: Neil Richardson, Marcia Dorr Rich and diverse, the traditional craft industries of Oman are among the most important cultural survivals in the Arabian Peninsula. Their origins can be traced back to man’s earliest activities in the Gulf and Mesopotamia, and their subsequent development directly reflects both Oman’s distinguished history as a trading nation, and the innate resourcefulness of its people. Across the country, and for many centuries, Omanis have worked with the raw materials available within their local environment, and those obtained through maritime trade, to create objects of both functional utility and exquisite artistry. Until recently there had been little research into this fascinating subject. It was also apparent that the rapid development and modernisation of the Sultanate would pose very real challenges to the survival of the country’s craft industries. The Omani Craft Heritage Documentation Project was therefore initiated in 1996 by His Highness, Seyyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, with the aim of assessing and documenting the different types of crafts in all parts of the country. From the jirz-makers of Musandam to the potters of Dhofar, hundreds of craftspeople were interviewed, and their techniques and products carefully documented and photographed. This set of two books is foremost a tribute to Oman’s artisans and the rich traditions that they embody. Authors Neil Richardson and Marcia Dorr consider the origins and development of the country’s craft industries, including the relationship between craft usage and lifestyle. They provide a comprehensive record, region by region, of the design and production techniques of the many and diverse crafts to be found across the Sultanate. A wide-ranging catalogue of artefacts combines with a concluding review on the changing role of craft industries in a rapidly modernising society, to make this the most significant publication on the traditional craft heritage of south-east Arabia. Language: English ISBN: 9781860631566 Hardback, 584 pages, in a box