Smithsonian - Perishable Pundit

[7i]A Bahía blacksmith, assisted by his sons, employs hot-forging techniques to make a steel knife blade.Many of the materials were importedto supply coastal cratt industries. Bronzeand iron contributed to the development otmetalworking — particularly tool making andweaponry production—while the gradual adoptionof silver and gold as regional currenciesencouraged the development of refined decorativetechniques tor weaponry and jewelry. Finehardwood brought a degree of sophisticationto the boat-building industry and permitted avolume of production that would have beenimpossible on the basis ot indigenous woodalone. The precious value of wood encouragedbeen gateways for new ideas, materials, andtechnologies, which have not only enriched thecratt heritage of coastal communities but alsofiltered inland via overland trade routes. At thesame time, Omani artisans, employing indigenousmaterials, techniques, and designs, havebrought their own interpretations and customsto the practice ot their crafts. The result is acaptivating synthesis, within which are discernibleArab, Asian, and East African influences.The resulting whole is a vibrant and uniquecratt culture that is resoundingly Omani.The souk in the capital city and port otthe development ot woodcarvmg into afineMuscat has a broader role than those in theart form that maintains its pride of place indoors, windows, and other decorative featuresof monumental and vernacular architecture.Embroiderers and pit-loom weavers benefitedfrom the import ot silk and other threads thatadd color and diversity to local costume.Towns such as Suhar, Muscat, Sur, andSalalah along Oman's coastline emerged as majorentrepots that boast a rich mixture of people,adecidedly cosmopolitan air, and a lively andvaried collection ot cratt traditions. They haveinterior. Although a center ot traditional craftsproduction, the souk also gathers cratt productsfrom all over the country—Bahla pottery,basketry from the Batinah, Sun embroidery andpit-loom weaving, tribal rugs and trappings, andNizwa copper and silverwork. All find an outletin the capital-area marketplace. Local women sellincense in the heart ot the souk, their mixturesspread before them to entice customers. Handembroideredqimmahs (men's caps), made inthe privacy ot the home or courtyard, are alsoOMAN DESERT, OASIS, AND SEA