Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

The artisan master silversmith of Suhar

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In the heart of Suhar, amidst the vibrant tapestry of cultures and customs, resides Hasan Bin Muhammad bin Ali Al Balushi. He is an Omani master and artisan of traditional silver and gold jewelry and daggers.


His commitment to preserving tradition through jewelry and dagger crafting has earned him respect in his community.


Hassan’s journey reflects his dedication to preserving Oman’s cultural legacy using his craft.


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He was born in 1938 into a family immersed in the jewelry industry and the craft of ancient weaponry. He has inherited his extraordinary artistry of gold and silver craftsmanship of daggers and swords from his father, Muhammad bin Ali Al Balushi, who has passed on his legacy of crafting beautiful jewelry, adorned daggers, and other antiques that represent the spirit of Oman's rich past.


At the age of fifteen, he started learning his craft, which he continued until his youth at the age of twenty. After that age, he began a life-changing quest to broaden his knowledge and experience. In 1958, he traveled from Sohar to Sur in order to obtain experience and extend his knowledge of dagger crafting. He has strengthened his abilities and embraced the multiplicity of traditional weaponry, notably the Suri dagger, under the instruction of notable jewelers such as Ismail Al-Sayegh and Muhammad Abdullah.


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Furthermore, his quest for excellence in his craft led him to Salalah and Nizwa, where he sought out skilled jewelers to study the art of making the special southern dagger and the dagger of Nizwa. In 1969, in Salalah, he was trained under Muhammad al-Shanfari, learning the complexities of the southern dagger. Following that, he trained in Nizwa under jewelers Abdullah Al-Naabi and Muhsin Al-Sabahi, immersing himself in the methods and mysteries of the unique dagger of Nizwa.


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Hasan returned to Sohar, where he became an important character in Oman's cultural scene, armed with extensive knowledge and great talents. He presented his work and illustrated the fundamental relationship between creativity and heritage by participating in several festivals and exhibitions hosted by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Hasan's artistry drew worldwide notice, resulting in renowned exhibitions, including one in Tokyo.


His dedication to his profession extends beyond his own craft. He gladly shared his knowledge and experience with young jewelers, teaching people like Muhammad Murad and Muhammad Zaab, and he left an everlasting effect on the next generation of artisans. Hasan's commitment to preserving Oman's cultural history has encouraged many others to follow in his footsteps.


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