Traditional Craft In Aswan

Traditional Craft In Aswan

Traditional craft in Aswan is rich and varied like in the rest of Egypt. Most household women are adept in handicrafts such as weaving, sewing and knitting. A number of traditional craft works have survived the ravages of time in this city and are still practiced. The artisans of Aswan turn out the most amazing craft products that are picked up by the international tourists as souvenirs and mementoes of their trip to this culturally rich city.

Straw handicraft is an important aspect of traditional craft in Aswan. Furniture and other items of household use have been traditionally crafted out of the leaves, the bark and other parts of white palm trees. The Nubian rituals centered on the girls fashioning such furniture as part of their wedding dowry. Shewer, a large tray or plate is used for serving as well as a wall hanging. Beautiful Egyptian motifs and patterns are drawn on the Shewers or sometimes these are covered with leather cases. The Karedj is a smaller version of the Shewers and is decorated with threads and beads instead of leather coverings. The Omra is also a straw utensil albeit in the shape of a cup or a lidded jar. It is used to hold pickles, fruits and nuts. The Borch, also fashioned by weaving straw is a mat that is used for sleeping, sitting and praying.

The womenfolk of Aswan are skilled in weaving and knitting. Needle craft of the city are famous. Cotton caps to shield one from the sun's rays are knit using colored thread and in crocheted patterns. They even create their own jewellery using beads, laces and threads. These necklaces, earrings and pendants are favorites with the tourists. The Shallig hanger is another example of the traditional art in Aswan. These beautifully crocheted cloth hangers are suspended from the ceiling of a room and hold pots, Shewers and other decorative items.

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