Dubai: An encyclopedia documenting traditional Emirati jewellery worn by Emirati women in the past has been issued by the Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Centre with the Help of Women’s Museum.
The encyclopedia, which has been called ‘Traditional Emirati Jewels’, is the first of its kind effort that documents gold and jewellery possessions of Emirati women in their various names and forms.
The book by Dr Rafia Ghudbash was put together following an extensive communication with women from different emirates in the UAE in order to collect information from them and verify the authenticity of the facts gathered, especially in view of the fact that the names of some of these ornaments vary from one emirate to another.
It comprises vivid and vibrant images of traditional jewellery worn by Emirati women, with accurate, well-researched information on each of the various types of ornaments, alongside verses of Nabati poetry in which the names and utility of those ornaments are mentioned.
During the launch of the book on Monday, Dr Rafia highlighted the importance of documenting key historical periods and timelines through an authentic portrayal of the jewellery and accessories worn by Emirati women from the time.
The Women’s Museum acquired an original and old collection of jewellery, which was owned by gracious women who donated their mothers’, aunts’ and grandmothers’ precious pieces of jewellery to the museum.
A special effort is given to document the names of previous owners who kindly donated their jewellery to the museum, in order that the encyclopedia documents human history, and not just history of collectibles.
The book contains images of gold ornaments that have been crafted in the UAE and which assume attractive shapes expressive of the marine, desert and mountainous environments of the country.
