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IF you are feeling creative this summer and wish to learn an art form from an almost forgotten time … head on down to the Al Jasra Craft Centre in the village off Al Jasra.
Situated close to the Bahrain-Saudi highway a summer programme of fascinating sessions are being staged at the attraction providing classes for all artistically-inclined individuals until August 30.
The centre is holding five courses featuring pottery, basketry, gypsum carvings, doll-making and traditional chest designs.
Entry is free for all and each course can take from between 10 and 30 students at a time.
Marketing specialist and programme co-ordinator at the ministry of industry and commerce, Jehad Al Humood, said: “Our main aim is to preserve the traditional arts and crafts of Bahrain.
“This is the ninth year of having introduced this programme and the response has been very encouraging.
“The programme is open for all nationalities and those aged above eight years.
The craft centre was the brainchild of the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and was opened in 1990.
It is believed he was inspired by the sight of elderly Bahraini women flocking together to weave baskets in the village.
Once a source of domestic necessity, these crafts have now established itself as a tourism souvenir in the kingdom.
Pottery-maker, Abbas, 40, said: “My father had a shop in our village outside our home selling pots. These types of pots were used in homes for various domestic purposes. But nowadays they are mostly collected as ornaments; as a showcase and as a part of the furniture.”
Basket-maker Saleh, 41, said: “During my vacations I would sit and watch my grandfather making baskets and I fell in love with the craft. I am trained as a mechanical student but I chose to make baskets. It gives me immense happiness.
“I take my products, along with stuff made by my neighbours in my village, load them in my car and I drive down to Juffair every evening where I sell them in front of the Al Jazeera Supermarket.
“It is a lot of fun to watch the amusement and interest of Westerners who flock around my wonder car and take pictures. It is a great feeling and one I would not trade for anything else.”
Apart from the mentioned crafts, the centre also has workshops in weaving, boat-building, creating palm tree products and making traditional musical instruments.
The craftsmen here have been involved in keeping alive the spirit of traditional art and making the centre a dedicated
destination to preserve the history and heritage of Bahrain.
Register for the programme of events, or get more information, by calling 17 611900.
By Shilpa Chandran
shilpa.chandran@gulfweekly.com
