Travel Oman: Weaving magic with palm fronds

Weaving palm fronds is one of the traditional Omani handicrafts, and the products made, including household materials, furniture, and utensils, have been used since ancient times.

According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “The palm leaf products depend on the type of palm tree. In this context, there is Al Khaws (palm leaves), the Zawr (palm branches stripped of their leaves), the palm trunk, and the fibre. For example, mats and rugs are made of two varieties called Al Ghadf and Al Rusul, which grow on river and wadi banks where there is an abundance of water.

“The Governorate of Musandam is renowned for its palm leaf industries, which create items such as utensils (Al Surood and Al Makba) which are made from palm leaves. Al Surood is a mat-shaped tray, which is also known as Sama, and is used to protect food from insects. Al Makba also fulfils the same purpose.

Concerned with the palm leaf handicraft industry slowly dying, a group of four Omani girls had previously set up a business with which they made modern products using palm leaves. Siham, Moza, Inas, and Nafja have decided to give the craft a new lease of life. The team produces a number of products, such as food storage boxes, dishes of sweets, handbags, luggage bags for trips, medals, bookmarks, baskets of perfumes, and makeup organisers with palm fronds.