An Omani Artisan’s Journey with Palm Fronds

In the quiet alleys of Al Rustaq, where the breezes embrace the scent of ancient history and the fort narrates the glories of the Omani people, a gentle story is woven through palm fronds. Unlike the usual paths of acquiring traditional crafts, which often begin with childhood talent or inherited artistry, Azza al Bahri’s path challenges a familiar narrative; craft does not always emerge from inheritance, but sometimes from personal choice and dedication.
Her journey began with something far quieter: empty time, a stretch that, for many others, is often dismissed as pause, waiting, or absence. But for Azza al Bahri, it was the beginning of a journey that redefined how she valued her time, instead of filling hours with waiting and absence.

“A love of learning new skills drove me to learn this craft”, Azza al Bahri, the owner of Saffa Handcraft, a small entrepreneurial venture rooted in traditional craft, explains candidly as she recalls the beginning of her journey. She narrates that her journey began with enrolling in a training course, even though she had no early artistic background to rely on — no mentor and no inherited tradition.
Azza chose to shift her life from living with an abundance of free time to filling that time with purpose. The first piece she ever made was a file crafted from palm fronds. This simple file became proof that something could be created from nothing more than the willingness to try.

The Making of a Piece
Each piece of her work is not accidental; rather, it is the result of continuous research and ongoing learning. Despite the fact that each piece stands as creatively unique, all of them share common foundational steps; each begins with an idea, followed by sketching on paper, taking precise measurements and selecting colours and materials.
Then, all these steps find their way into palm-frond weaving (Safah), followed by fixing and cutting the woven parts, sewing, shaping and finally producing a distinctive piece.

Craft, Identity and Growth
When asked to define her artistic style, she admits candidly that she is still growing and that her skills need further expansion, which is why she remains committed to continuous training, refusing to stop at a single point. However, she believes that what distinguishes her work is its quality and constant renewal. If her current identity were represented by one word, it would be “growth”. She also clarifies that she does not strictly prefer simplicity over intricate detail, nor the opposite; each has its place, depending on the piece and its purpose.
In fact, Omani culture is inseparable from her work. The Omani culture and environment appear both in the nature of the craft she practices and in the materials she uses.

Eyes on the Horizon
Azza sees the future of handicrafts in Oman with optimism, describing it as bright. Today, she is an officially accredited trainer through higher education institutions and actively works to teach others.
Looking ahead, Azza’s aspirations stretch beyond being a palm-frond weaving trainer. She aspires to own a centre that serves as a hub for the exchange of knowledge related to different crafts, reflecting a milestone in her journey: empty time, often underestimated, carries potential when met with intention. For her, learning should never stop and renewal must be constant.
Her story goes beyond narration about palm fronds and handmade objects; it shows how free time, when met with intention, can be woven into a purposeful direction.