Shura Council Speaker H E Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid Al Mahmoud and other officials visiting the 10th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival.
The 10th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival sheds light on the history of pearl diving and pearling trade as well as other marine resources which Qatar and other participating countries had been known for. Pearls have been one of the most valuable and ancient natural resources of Qatar, and the deep-sea diving history of the nation has been well-known for ages. But for the younger generation, the presence of people engaged in pearl trade, how oysters are brought to land and how a pearl is actually found is fascinating.
Deep-sea diving was once a source of livelihood in the past as ‘tawash’ and carpentry being among the prominent occupations. The Qatari ‘Al Hayrat’ oyster is considered to be one of the finest in the Arabian world, as the finest pearls are extracted from them. Al Majid jewellery pavilion showcases some of the finest, ancient and modern jewels including pearls.
It also includes a section that shows how pearls are measured and assembled into jewellery, as well as an assortment of necklaces mixed with traditional heritage and shaped by modern designs. While pearls and pearl diving is an important facet, the boats used for fishing is an equally challenging dimension of maritime culture.
The marine heritage of Iraq while distinct can at the same time is commonly associated with Arabian maritime tradition and history. Mahdi Mutashar, who supervises the Iraqi pavilion Al Janaj, speaking about their presence at the festival this year said, “We are this time displaying Iraqi folk craft such as making ‘mushaf’ boats used for fishing in addition to handmade woolen carpets. Our craftsmen are also making baskets and table mats (woven rugs) which people can see for themselves and realise the originality of tradition and culture.” The pavilion of Oman is showcasing antiques and rare collectibles of the sea.
Hammoud bin Abdullah AlAmrani, managing the Omani pavilion, said they have antiques and rare collectibles of the sea, also personal supplies of sailors from their long voyages that could last up to six months and more. Utensils used for cooking, food storage methods, in addition to natural oil utensils that are used for treatment purposes are also shown at the pavilion. Also displayed is medication, in addition to many exhibits representing models of famous ships of the Omani maritime heritage, pearl extraction tools, oysters and scales used by the tawash and boxes (pashtata) used to collect the pearl crop, as well as many ancient antique collectibles such as Rumaila clocks and compass dating back 150 years. The festival will receive visitors from 1pm until 11pm today, and from 10am to 10pm tomorrow.
