With a simple wooden loom, Emtithal Mualla weaves unique pieces of art, restores the spirit of the past
Simple rugs of different shapes and sizes, pillow covers, cushions, tablecloths, wall pendants, and others are skillfully weaved by Mrs. Emteethal Mualla, who used her talent in drawing and the art of macramé in coordinating and harmonizing colors, choosing fabrics that comply with this type of textiles to design distinctive pieces to decorate her home or give as gifts to close friends.
Mualla told a SANA reporter that everything that is old and that has to do with heritage and that restores the spirit of the past, touches her heart, and takes her to the ancestral homes with their warmth and simplicity, where women used to sit on stone terraces in front of their homes competing in highlighting their skills and showing off their work, in an atmosphere of familiarity and love that we miss so much in the light of a life that has become more difficult, as well as the technological development that has swept our societies.
She adds that despite her work as a teacher and the responsibilities she has towards her home and family, she can find a space for herself to practice her lovely craft and is keen to teach it to her children as one of the elements of the ancient heritage left by our ancestors and forms an integral part of our identity and personality.
She talked about how she feels while completing each piece as if she infuses something of her soul into it to look so beautiful. She stressed that weaving on the Loom is more of a hobby than a way to achieve material gain. It also helps her fill free time with a beneficial activity that brings comfort, peace and relieves stress.
She indicated that it is a simple and easy craft that women can learn and benefit from in creating a small business to support themselves and help their husbands without leaving home or their children.
She believes that the revival of the wooden loom craft in schools is an essential step to introduce generations to our folk heritage, including the handicrafts handed down by forefathers from ancestors, who did their best to remain it alive to the present. It also has an important role in encouraging the culture of recycling and the use of old clothes and fabric remnants in creating new products that suit the modern lifestyle with heritage touches and in using time magnificently instead of sitting for long hours in front of mobile devices with its negative impact on their health.
“We must preserve this heritage, which was left by parents and grandparents. Despite its simplicity, it reflects the beautiful past and the link with the present and a window through which generations look at the civilization, their ancient history, and development of countries over the ages.” She concluded.
Amal Farhat