Sharjah: The 11th Traditional Crafts Forum kicked off on Wednesday at the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) under the theme ‘Pottery making in the Gulf — A tale of pottery’.
The two-day forum’s theme represents pottery as an economic and social necessity for the UAE community in particular and the Gulf communities in general. Pottery is an important part of Emirati heritage and remains a noble and enduring profession which is celebrated and preserved.
The annual forum is a platform for the UAE and the entire Gulf region to exhibit and celebrate the ancient Arab heritage and traditions that continue to prosper and grow. “The SIH aims to document and embrace authentic Emirati folk crafts and industries, by preserving them for future generations,” said Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, chairman of SIH.
The forum aims to contribute to the development of crafts and handicrafts, permanently supporting individuals and entities in the field of crafts and conveying their expertise and skill to future generations.
Al Musallam opened the forum in the presence of Shaikh Saif Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, director of Sharjah University City, and Dr Rashad Salem, vice-chancellor of Al Qasimia University.
A variety of events and heritage activities took place at the forum, such as symposia, which saw the participation of a group of Emirati and Gulf researchers. The event also included a live display of handmade crafts and pottery from different regions of the GCC.
In collaboration with the Noon caravan from the Social Services Department, the SIH held a series of workshops targeting schoolchildren, as well as a series of specialised workshops catered towards handicapped persons.
A traditional pottery souq with Emirati and Gulf craftsmen also exhibited a live demonstration of pottery-making, where the finished products were available for purchase.
Meanwhile, the Bahraini ensemble Ismail Dawas Folk Arts performed and presented the Haddadi art.
