Heritage crafts: sadu, khoos, talli and more from home makers

Gulf crafts made by hand at home: sadu, khoos, talli, naqda, pottery, bukhoor and more. Meet the makers, read how they learnt and book a workshop.

• Sadu weaving · Bedouin weaving on a ground loom from sheep, goat and camel hair, in bold geometric bands.
• Khoos palm weaving · Dried palm fronds plaited into mats, baskets, fans and food covers.
• Talli braiding · Cotton and metallic threads braided on a small cushion into bands for dresses, cuffs and collars.
• Naqda embroidery · Fine metal strips stitched into tulle or cotton, folded and pressed by hand, for thobes and shawls.
• Bisht tailoring · The men’s cloak, its gold or silver zari edging stitched by hand.
• Pottery · Water jars, incense burners and pots thrown on the wheel and fired in a kiln.
• Gypsum and wood carving · Doors, window screens and panels carved with Gulf patterns.
• Bukhoor blending · Incense blended from oud chips, oils, musk and sugar, then pressed and cured.
• Henna · Henna ground and mixed by hand, drawn in traditional patterns for brides and Eid.
• Gargoor fish traps · The dome-shaped fishing trap, woven by hand.