The Sultanate of Oman is a country rich in cultural heritage, as is evident in the various arts and crafts that have been practiced by generations since ancient times. Among these arts, the art of textile decoration stands out as one of the most important manifestations of Omani creativity, adding a unique aesthetic touch to fashion and various occasions.
The history of textile decoration in the Sultanate of Oman dates back centuries when it was closely linked to the lives of nomadic Bedouins who relied on handicrafts to meet their daily needs. Omani women excelled in decorating the fabrics used in making tents, clothing, and household utensils, using various techniques such as embroidery, sequins, and lace.
Thumnah al Wahaibiya, the pioneer of the textile project, embodies a wonderful example of the ambitious Omani woman who transforms her passion for weaving into creations that amaze the eyes. Since childhood, Al-Wahaibiya was fascinated by her mother and sister's skills in designing and decorating fabrics, so she followed in their footsteps, making this passion a profession that provides her with a livelihood and allows her to showcase her creativity.
Textile decoration in the Sultanate of Oman is distinguished by its diverse techniques, as Omani craftswomen excel in using various materials such as cotton, linen, wool, and silk to create stunning designs.
Al Wahaibiya tells us about her journey with weaving, saying: "Since I was young, I used to watch my mother and older sister design and decorate fabrics, and I admired their skills and tried to imitate them. I started designing large bags from fabrics such as the kharaj and bakhsha, and then my skills developed so that I became designing clothing and accessory bags, decorating them with lace and thread weaving. This was a source of livelihood for me and my older sister, who used to weave wool yarn."
Al Wahaibiya did not stop at that, but developed her skills even more, and began designing various accessories such as medals in different shapes, necklaces, bracelets, and much more. Al-Wahaibiya participated in many exhibitions and festivals and displayed her creations in various opera houses and associations.
A Role Model for Aspiring Women
Al Wahaibiya's passion was not limited to design only, she also participated in craft excellence competitions, where she won second place in the Al Wusta Governorate. Al Wahaibiya did not stop at this achievement, but continued her journey, establishing a home-based project where she began to design and implement her creations according to the customer's request and desires. This project resulted in her winning the first-place award at the Sultanate level as the best designer in the field of coordinating and integrating materials and modern innovations.
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