| arriving_during_storm.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
The Muscat Festival has been running for 3 years now in January - when temperatures are temperate. 3 sites in Muscat are devoted to displays causing heavy traffic on the approaches. It was a very dark, stormy night when I went, so few people around. |
|
| community_stall.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
Many of the stalls were run by community groups and staffed by women. Presumably charity work gives the women the opportunity to interface in a fulfilling way with the outside world. |
|
| dancers.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
These dancers may have come from Sur, east of Muscat, or Dhofar, the southernmost province. |
|
| dancer_cheery.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
This cheery gentleman really enjoyed himself dancing and moved with great ease. |
|
| elderly_omani.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
The style a man's head covering is worn can be a statement of fashion. This gentleman has a serenity often observed in the elderly in rural Oman. |
|
| fairground_ride.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
The most exciting ride at the festival fairground was this roundabout. |
|
| halwa.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
Halwa is a very popular Omani sweetmeat, made from stewed dates and barley. The mixture is boiled in huge vats to bring it to setting point. |
|
| kebab_stall.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
Fast food Arab style. Kebab stalls are a common feature. Meat is served in flat bread wraps with a salad garnish and a large helping of tahini. |
|
| making_baskets.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
The new Public Authority for Craft Industries was very much in evidence at the festival. Basket-making uses local reeds and date palms. |
|
| making_mats.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
Mats are woven using materials from palms and reeds. |
|
| making_pots.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
The centre for pot-making has been Bahla, a town with a splendid fort near Nizwa, in the interior. This potter is making small pots and frankincense burners. |
|
| making_rugs.jpg |
|
|
|
|
Description:
Traditional Omani rugs made from camel and goat hair have distinctive colours and patterns. One of the best places to buy rugs locally is from the villagers of Al Jabal al Akhdar. |
|
