“Braiding Rope Bracelets: Keeping Girls Stylish and Trendy”
Reviving Tradition: The Art of Talli Weaving at the Sharjah International Book Fair
The vibrant tapestry of Emirati culture is woven not merely from the fabric of history but is also intricately interlaced with the threads of tradition. In an inspiring initiative at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024, a celebration defined by its theme, “It Starts with a Book,” the ancient craft of Talli—a traditional Emirati heritage art—has found a contemporary expression through workshops aimed at engaging the youth. Amal Ismail, a dedicated trainer from Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, shared insights into this initiative, which seeks to safeguard and promote a craft that is under threat of fading from cultural memory.
Talli, traditionally characterized by the use of silver threads in the adornment of garments, stands as a testament to the dexterity and artistry of Emirati women. However, faced with the fast-paced demands of modern life, there is a palpable risk of this unique craft being relegated to the annals of history. “The goal of our program is to ensure that the essence of Talli endures. By simplifying the technique and adapting it to contemporary tastes, we aim to inspire a new generation to connect with their heritage through more accessible means, such as weaving bracelets,” Ismail remarked.
Participants in the workshop were each provided with twelve vibrant strands of cotton thread in contrasting hues. The meticulously structured process began with the young girls dividing the threads into three sets of four. This structured approach not only serves to teach them the technical skills required for Talli but also encourages patience and attention to detail. Once the threads were secured to the surface with cello tape, attendees learned to weave intricate knots, progressively crafting what would emerge as an aesthetically pleasing bracelet, roughly seven centimeters long—perfectly sized to adorn the wrist.
The significance of such initiatives extends beyond mere crafting. It provides a crucial link to identity, memory, and cultural heritage. When youth engage in practices that have historical relevance, they are not only learning a skill but also embracing a part of their cultural identity. By using cotton instead of traditional silver threads, Ismail and her team are cleverly aligning traditional crafts with modern sensibilities, allowing participants to create something tangible and stylish to take home, while instilling pride in their heritage.
SIBF 2024, currently underway at the Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6 to 17, features an impressive 1,357 activities designed to cater to diverse interests, particularly those of children and families. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair boasts a comprehensive program that includes 600 workshops encompassing various themes, from heritage and media to technology and life skills. Notably, there are 465 tailored sessions for adults and children, alongside 135 specifically for early childhood development.
The fair is viewed as an essential platform for fostering a love of literature and learning among young people, while simultaneously acting as a custodian of cultural preservation. The blending of traditional practice with engaging educational activities underscores the importance of keeping heritage alive in a rapidly changing world.
Moreover, the overarching theme of this year’s fair, “It Starts with a Book,” resonates deeply with the ethos of preserving knowledge, both written and oral. As visitors engage with literature across multiple genres, they are invariably encouraged to explore and reflect on the stories that have shaped their culture while being inspired to carry these narratives forward.
As the Sharjah International Book Fair continues to unfold, the connection between young Emiratis and their cultural roots through workshops such as the Talli bracelet-making session emphasizes the fair’s commitment to not only celebrating reading and education but also ensuring that traditional skills and stories thrive amidst modernity.
Sifting through the activities at SIBF, it becomes clear that promoting cultural heritage is about more than nostalgia; it is a necessary step toward nurturing a well-rounded, culturally aware, and creative generation. Encounters like those at the Talli workshop symbolize an intrinsic understanding that every bracelet woven is a thread in the fabric of a thriving cultural legacy.
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