The Ihsaan Association and the municipality department in the Wilayat of Manah, organized the Elder Crafts Forum in Manah, coinciding with the celebration of Omani Craftsman Day, which falls on Sunday (March 3).
The forum was held under the auspices of Mohammed bin Salim al Sulaimani, Majlis Ash’shura member of the Wilayat of Manah.
About 30 men and women from various Wilayats of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate displayed palm frond products, popular Omani food, traditional clothes, gunpowder, and other crafts.
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate pays particular attention to traditional crafts because of their originality, distinction, and close connection with history because they are rooted in the depths of its popular heritage.
The Ihsaan Association is fully aware of the importance of traditional crafts and strives to highlight its potential. It involves the elderly and urges them to participate in many events and projects.
Shura member Al Sulaimani said: "This exhibition facilitates interaction between generations. These initiatives by the Ihsaan Association to include the elderly and integrate them with society are commendable."
Shaikhah bint Sulaiman bin Said al Mahrouqiyah, a member of the Ihsaan Association, said: “We find great response from the elderly, as they feel joy, happiness, and enthusiasm when these activities are carried out for them. We find a very strong turn out from other governorates. Sometimes we may need, for example, 15 elderly people, but we find more participants willing to attend than the required number. The association’s objectives are diverse and comprehensive. It helps the elderly in obtaining health and social services. It also helps in training Ihsaan members in elderly health care. The Volunteer Affairs Committee trains these individuals to manage elderly people.” Al Mahrouqiyah added, “Our message to the community is to participate in these activities. We hope that the public will support this segment of society. We also hope to find support from institutions to contribute for the humanitarian services for the elderly.”
Juma bin Khalfan al Abdali, a gunpowder maker from the Wilayat of Manah, said: “I am now seventy years old. I learned this craft from my grandparents, and now I have taught it to my children. I was afraid of losing this industry. Gunpowder-making requires work that lasts approximately three hours. To make it, we use various tools, including matches and a type of wood called "shakhr". These ingredients are cooked using charcoal and then pounded by hand until they become like ash. In the past, we used these to hunt deer and birds. Now we sell them in markets. My participation in the forum is an opportunity to highlight my industry and introduce it to generations that may not know about the existence of this industry in Oman.”
Paying attention to the elderly in traditional crafts will have a positive impact on the continuation and development of these crafts. It will also allow the elderly to highlight their talents, practice their hobbies, and take advantage of their free time.
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