Traditional Omani handicrafts were on the brink of extinction a few years ago but they have made a dramatic comeback with the encouragement from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage to preserve these skills. Traditionally handicrafts were practiced and passed on through generations over thousands of years.

To start with, the ubiquitous palm tree has provided more than dates for the natives- its leaves are used to make 'mukhraf'(a bag for collecting dates), baskets and intricately designed shoulder bags called 'murbah'.

The 'mansul' is a traditional cloak made from black goats hair and embroidered on the outside.

Silver jewellery has always been an important part of the traditional Omani attire. Necklaces, bracelets, ear rings, anklets, ear pendants, bangles and hair decorations are typical examples of this craft as well as the famous Khanjar (curved dagger), the national symbol of Oman. Nizwa is famous for the silver souq where you can find decorative jewellery and Khanjars.

Bahla is known as the centre for pottery where you can still find potters at their wheels throwing clay pots, jugs, urns, incense burners, and decorative items which are then fired in kilns. Styles consist of simple decoration with simple glazed designs or etching on the surface.

In the desert you will find colourful camel girth straps woven by the Bedouin women of Wahiba. These colourful straps sometimes incorporate intricate geometric patterns and are woven from camel, goat and sheep wool as well as (nowadays) imported fibres.

Wood carving is also popular in the coastal areas. One of the most obvious examples of these are the elaborate wooden doors of almost any domicile. The craft also lends itself to the design of chests, shelves, and miniature reproductions of dhows.

Where to buy

Abu Quais Decoration and trading Co
Location: Qurum 16,near Madinat Qaboos
Tel: 699956
Fax: 602404
Timings: Sat - Wed: 9am to 1pm, 4pm - 7pm,Thur: 9am - 01pm
Silver bracelets, napkin rings, art exhibitions by local artists, Omani handicrafts

Ajmal International Establishment
Locations:
Muscat: Al Harthy Complex, Qurm, Al Araimi Complex, Al Zakher Shopping Mall, Al Sahu Building, GO SM Seeb

Salalah: Marhoon Building, Salam Street, and Wadi Dhofar Club

Tel: 7031047 / 788664,
Fax: 787096
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am - 1pm, 4.30pm -10.30m, Fri evenings only
Perfumes, natural fragrances, Oudh, attars, perfume bottles, frankincense.

Capital Commercial Centre (CCC) Souq
Location: Qurum Tel: 563672
Fax: 564938
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am -1.30pm, 4pm - 11pm,Fri evenings only
Handicrafts only

Government Handicrafts outlet
Location: Ruwi Business district, near Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Timings: Sat-Wed: 7.30 am - 2.30 pm
Traditional and modern Omani weaving, pottery and handicrafts

National Trading Co LLC
Location: Al InshirahStreet, Madinat Qaboos near British Council
Tel: 601066
Fax: 696676
Timings: Sat-Wed 8am - 1pm, 3.30pm - 6.30pm,Thurs 8am -1pm
Restored Arabian and Asian furniture, all styles of chests, traditional doors, tables, Omani silver jewellery, weaponry, Omani tribal weaving, and mirrors.

Majlis Gallery (Division of National Trading)
Location: Villa 57,Street 44 Athaiba / Ghala
Tel: 501057
Fax: 501058
Timings: Sat-Thurs 9am - 8pm
Arabian and Colonial antiques, Omani chests, Silver jewellery, coffee tables, frankincense candles

Omani Heritage Gallery
Location: Jawaharat Al Shati Shopping Complex, Shati Al Qurm
Tel: 696974
Fax: 696568
Timings: Sat-Thurs 9.30 is - 1pm, 4pm - 8pm
Non-profit company selling authentic Omani handicrafts, tribal weaving, basketry, pottery, silver, embroidery, camel trappings, leather, frankincense, clothing, accessories and other souvenirs.

Raj Relics
Location: Al Ghubra, Behind Bahar Soap Factory
Tel: 593131
,Fax: 593131
Timings: Sat - Thurs: 8am - 12pm, 1m - 6pm,Fri: 2pm - 6pm
Antique and reproduction furniture, artifacts, Indian and Omani chests, brass, coppertware, Omani silver, antique doors, dining and coffee tables

Sabco Souq
Location: Qurum
Tel: 563943
Fax: 563539
Timings: Sat-Thurs: 9am to 1pm, 4pm - 10pm
Handicrafts, weaving, jewellery, perfumes, frankincense. Bargaining a must for best prices

Tamimah Gallery
Location: Muscat Old Town
Tel: 737683
Fax: 564837
Residence: 564837
By appointment only. Omani antiques, chests, weaponry, silver jewellery.