Eid, the celebration of traditional heritage, unveils its vibrant colours in the Sultanate of Oman.
Reinilda van Heuven Dernison, a Dutch expatriate immersed in Omani culture for over 8 years, found herself captivated by the diverse cultural tapestry surrounding her.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere preceding Eid during Ramadhan, the enchanting art of henna blossoms to life. In Reinilda’s workplace, colleagues from various ethnic backgrounds exchange ideas and seek henna designs, fostering a cultural exchange that sparks Reinilda’s journey of storytelling through photography, exploring the richness of the henna tradition, known as ‘mehndi’ in Indian culture.
Delving deeper, Reinilda ventures to agriculture village of Al Qabil, where Faisal Suroor al Balushi and his family warmly welcome her with traditional Omani kahwa. Faisal shares insights into Atiya’s rich heritage, steeped in customs passed down through generations. Faisal’s family demonstrates the intricate art of henna application, accompanied by lively tales of weddings and rituals, weaving an atmosphere of excitement and pride as children eagerly await their turn, soaking in the stories shared by their elders.
While traditional henna thrives in the interior regions, Reinilda discovers a vibrant evolution of the art in capital Muscat, where young artists breathe new life into age-old traditions.
Zeenath bint Kassem and Maimuna bi Sayed, self-taught artisans, find solace and strength in the rhythmic patterns of henna, each stroke a testament to resilience and creativity.
Renowned for her impeccable craftsmanship, Zeenath seamlessly blends traditional henna patterns with contemporary flair, even venturing into canvas artistry.
Similarly, Maimuna, despite facing financial constraints and the burden of caring for siblings with special needs, finds solace and purpose in her art. For both, henna transcends mere decoration; it is a gift bestowed upon others, a symbol of good fortune and blessings.
As Eid approaches, both Zeenath and Maimuna eagerly prepare to share their talents, embodying the spirit of generosity and kindness. For Maimuna, Eid holds special significance as she extends her artistry to Fatma, her sister, and Thara Sulaiman Abdallah, a teenager with special needs, spreading joy and beauty to those who need it most.
In the quiet moments of creation, amidst the swirls of henna and the whispers of tradition, Zeenath and Maimuna find purpose and fulfillment, their artistry a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of simple acts of loving kindness.
The journey culminates at Bahwan Henna Saloon in Qurm, where Sheika and her family, guardians of this artistic haven for 38 years, welcome patrons with warmth and hospitality. As customers eagerly select henna cones for their loved ones, the salon buzzes with anticipation and joy, a testament to the enduring tradition kept alive by dedicated artisans like Sheika and her team.
As Reinilda bids farewell to the saloon, her heart brimming with gratitude for the stories shared and the bonds forged, she captures not just images, but moments of connection and celebration, honoring the timeless art of henna and the communities it brings together.
In every stroke of henna, from the intricate patterns to the vibrant hues, lies a story of resilience, creativity, and love — a testament to the enduring richness of tradition and the boundless depths of human expression.
Pictures by Reinilda van Heuven Dernison
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