"I started collecting antiques by accident," says Sajid Aboobaker, a Sharjah-based Indian expatriate about his passion. Aboobaker's infatuation began when he discovered a few family heirlooms lying neglected in his ancestral home in Kerala, India. "One of them was my grandfather's palanquin with carved floral motifs in solid wood," he says.
The sentimental value of these heirlooms made him start collecting and preserving other antiques that had unique and intricate craftsmanship.
"I am especially fond of the collections that belong to my ancestral home as they connect me to the past. I know that each piece has a story to tell."
His initial fascination has grown into a serious affair. Some of Aboobaker's notable possessions include clocks of varying sizes, pottery, porcelain, ceramic and ironware, old lamps, gramophones, cameras and old coins.
A few favourites of this antique collector are his 1945 A. J. Stevens and Co. Ltd bike, porcelain dating back to 1960 Singapore, a few ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves on kalarichikitsa (kalari is a martial art form in Kerala and kalarichikitsa is a traditional system of treatment using kalari practices).
His collections also include old iron boxes, a 1960 typewriter
and urns and vessels of various sizes. Being a selective buyer, Aboobaker assures he has no business motives
in collecting these items.
He admits that his hobby stems from pure fascination, nostalgia and awe of fine and flawless workmanship.
While browsing through the items he has collected over the years you will spot a few old cameras and learn of his other love: photography. He spends his free time exploring photography and drawing caricatures.
His father's collection of black and white images captured his attention at a young age.
As an artist everything in nature intrigues him. He confesses that at times he wishes to be a castaway in the wilderness with nothing but a camera. During his vacations in Kerala, he can't resist the temptation to get lost in its rich forests.
"These adventures into the unknown are well worth the risk. Not only do I get great shots but I also feel rejuvenated afterwards," he says. Nothing gives him greater joy than being in the wilderness and immersing himself in nature. He likes to use his wildlife photography to "make people think about nature and wildlife".
Aboobaker has received local as well as international acclaim for some of his photos. "Any artist with dedication and patience can work wonders in photography with knowledge of composition and light," he says.
Sajid works with an advertising firm in Dubai where he gets ample opportunities to pursue his hobbies.
– Shahina Shafee, an Abu Dhabi-based writer
