A weaver demonstrates her work
By Noimot Olayiwola
Heritage and culture enthusiasts are in for a nice time as the Katara (Cultural Village) has set up three special tents – Al Oud, Al Rihan and Al Misk – to showcase and popularise works of Qatari artists and artisans with the aim to meaningfully engage residents through Ramadan.
Based on three popular perfume scents Oud, Rihan and Misk, the special event being held for the first time, is also aimed at drawing attention to the Qatari age-old way of life pearl diving, carpet and mat making, otoor (perfume) mixing, henna drawing, sadu weaving, gypsum carving, fishing, miniature dhow making and traditional food making.
In each of the three tents, oud players serenade the Ramadan nights with their soft solo music while visitors saunter about to participate in one event or the other.
Two Qatari “tabla” (drums) players are also seen about the three tents entertaining guests and reminding them to do the needful during Ramadan.
Children are not left out as they are given the opportunity to participate in arts workshop under the tutelage of different Qatari artists, who teach them how to paint, draw, mould and colour pre-designed pictures.
In Al Rihan tent, the culture of pearl diving comes alive as a famous Qatari diver Saad Ismail Jassim takes guest through the process of diving and all that it entails.
Qatari pearl diver Saad Ismail Jassim explaining the process of diving
Different activities are being featured in the tent such as a photography exhibition on landmarks and structures in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, as well as visual and abstract paintings made by Qatari artists priced from QR1,500 up to QR10,000.
Other sections that make the tent worth visiting include a stand mounted by Qatar Philatelic and Numismatic Club showcasing commemorative postage stamps from Qatar Postal administration and British postal administration dating from early 50s to late 80s, a story-teller corner and a make-shift bookshop selling books that appeal to different categories of audience.
Activities at the Al Misk include traditional live talent show for children, contest and traditional photography sessions, apart from a traditional souq featuring local designs of female apparels worn for traditional and special events.
Suad - a female mat and carpet weaver – is also present weaving colourful pieces for willing customers.
It could take her up to three weeks to weave a seven-metre carpet from sheep’s wool, she said adding that the amount of time and effort also inform prices, which could reach QR2,000.
Photography exhibitions, arts and crafts workshop for both adults and children, live painting by Qatari guest artists as well as Andalusia music were highlights at the Al Oud tent.
One of the artists, Yusef al-Saada, who started at a young age but became a professional artist in 1989 said his works were based on logic and day-to-day living.
The festival is open from 8pm to midnight daily until August 25.