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Traditional Chests Making Workshop

Workshop Overview:

Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre organises a workshop on Traditional Chests. These chests are still used in most Arab Gulf countries as decorative element in many houses and are made from real wood. They are mostly used to keep and store clothes, gold jewellery and other valuable acquisitions, including money and official documents and papers, equipped with sturdy locks to guard against loss or theft of their contents. They are also characterised by their heavy weight that makes it impossible to easily relocate them elsewhere. They stand on four wooden cylinder shape pillars which isolate the floor from the bottom of the chest to protect it from humidity of the floor. It is worth noting that these boxes represent the bridegroom’s gift to his bride on their wedding night where his other gifts of clothes, perfumes and gold are kept, and which accompany the bride to her matrimonial home.

The wooden storage chest is made of sage or saisam wood, which are types of wood characterised by their high resistance to rotting for lengthy periods. The wood colour tends to be blackish brown. The craftsman’s skill and precision are reflected in the engravings made in yellow metal film that is studded on all sides of the chest, excluding the back. The bright colour of the chest which is coated with sesame oil further amplifies the beauty of the engravings and motifs.

   Workshop Topics:

• Identifying the types of wood used for manufacturing the Traditional Chests.
• Learning how to chop wood to create traditional Chests.
• Learning how to mold traditional chests accessories.

Workshop Outcomes:

• Making a traditional chest.