As part of NMEC’s responsibility to preserve and promote the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Egypt, a live workshop was organized on Saturday, October 9th, 2021 on one of Egypt’s rural and most authentic forms of craft; “Wicker and Palm Leaves Weaving”, an industry that flourished in Nuba among other Egyptian regions such as Bahariya Oasis, Sinai, Upper and Lower Egypt governorates, where artisans produce aesthetically appealing, environmentally-friendly products using inexpensive materials such as; dry palm fronds.
Through the live workshop, NMEC’s visitors were offered a unique opportunity to examine one of the various forms of Egypt’s tangible cultural heritage. For instance, the workshop insighted the audience on the art of weaving palm fronds, as they have had an exclusive opportunity to meet a number of talented artisans and discuss topics such as the origins of such craft, the materials used and the techniques hired to manufacture wicker-related products.
Evidently, wicker and palm leaves weaving craft is common among local Egyptians, mainly women at the above mentioned regions, where they employ the environmental components around them such as palm fronds, to manufacture simple items that assist them in their daily lives, such as wicker baskets, mats, hats, among many others that are still present and used till today.
Dr. Ahmed Ghoniem, Managing Executive Director of NMEC, highlighted that conducting such events is an essential component of NMEC’s mission to preserve and promote the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Egypt. The event has witnessed a remarkable interaction among the museum’s national and international visitors, and it was concluded by presenting the participating artisans certificates of appreciation by NMEC’s Managing Executive Director; Dr. Ahmed Ghoniem.
