The House of Crafts in the Sultanate of Oman is recognized as an important institution in preserving and developing handicrafts and the rich culture of this country. Zawina bint Sultan Al-Rashidi, the executive president of this institution, has emphasized in an interview that handicrafts are not just a job, but part of the identity and history of Omani society.
Preserving Cultural Identity and Developing Handicrafts
Zawina bint Sultan Al-Rashidi has stated that "craft is not just a job and product for me, but a memory and human and place identity." She emphasizes that Oman has a very rich cultural heritage, and it is our responsibility to preserve and develop this heritage so that it is present in our daily lives. She has pointed to the impact of handicrafts on Omani culture and identity, saying that every detail of handicrafts tells a story of place, people, and the environment.
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Innovation and Adapting to Market Needs
Zawina believes that development should not lead to changing the identity of handicrafts, but rather they should be presented in a contemporary language. This means preserving the essence, techniques, symbols, and stories of these crafts while adapting to modern market needs. She has pointed out the importance of carefully selecting colors and materials and emphasizes the importance of documenting these details to preserve cultural identity.
Zawina has stated that "we do not want to keep the heritage in a box, but we want to keep it alive." This approach includes using traditional elements in contemporary products that can be applied in corporate gifts, decorations, accessories, and other products. She believes that Omani handicrafts have high potential for global competition.
Zawina also points to the important role of marketing in introducing handicrafts and says that for success, we must introduce the story of each product to customers. She emphasizes the importance of using social media as a tool to bring the new generation closer to this cultural heritage.
Finally, Zawina invites the new generation to view handicrafts as part of their future and take responsibility for preserving and developing this heritage. She hopes that Omani handicrafts will be recognized as a contemporary design and cultural product in global markets.
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