Traditional Emarati Handicrafts and Artifacts

If you are in Abu Dhabi,  United Arab Emirates,  a visit to the Delma Corner at the Cultural Foundation is a must.  The outlet features Emirati ladies performing the art of sado (wool/cotton weaving), teli (embroidery), palm tree fronds weaving and henna.  Various Emirati traditional handicrafts and artifacts are available for sale.

At the Delma Corner, you will experience the hospitality of the local people who will offer you dates and Gahwa, the traditional Arabic Coffee.  The cups are only half filled, but guests may have several refills. It is polite to accept an odd number of cups — one, three or five. When the guest has finished he should jiggle the empty cup from side to side, indicating to the host that he has had sufficient. To refuse the first round is considered not only bad manners but also an insult to the host.

Gahwa is never sweetened with sugar. Instead, fresh dates are offered as the standard accompaniment to the aromatic brew.

At the Delma Corner,  a mini-exhibition is held side by side, which displays traditional Emarati furniture, chests, utensils, jewellery,  dhows, doors, incense holders,  coins, ceramics, stoneware, tools, toys, weapons and  musical instruments.

Glimpses of some of the items at the Delma Corner for viewing by our readers:

Handicrafts

Paintings & Motifs

Doors and Windows

Traditional  Coffee Pots, Pans and trappings

Coffee pot and dellas

Incense sprinkler

Incense holder

Mahbash-the coffee bean crushing pestle

Author: Judith Serrao- UAE