In addition to their history as pearl divers, Bahrainis also have a tradition of being basket weavers. This skill is now carried on by only a few men and women from the older generation, though the government is trying to encourage others to learn the skill so it doesn’t become a lost art.
Today our friends took us to a small shop back in one of the Shia villages to go basket shopping.
They are all handmade — mostly made out of dried palm fronds. We got the large and small green and orange “trays,” I got the multi colored covered basket on the bottom right (to hold my yarn) and Caleb wanted the plain open basket at the top center because it would be “perfect to hold my LEGOs.”
The large tray was $13, the small one was $6.50, the LEGO basket was also $6.50 and my very large covered basket was $25. Considering the hours it took to make each one, they were all bargains.
The dead bird outside the shop was just as interesting to these two as anything inside the shop.
Camille claimed a very small Easter-style basket that was just her size
How about this one?
These gently sloped, heavy bottomed baskets would make great fruit bowls. Maybe next time.
Camille’s best friend, making himself at home in the middle of the shop
All different shapes and sizes, all handmade, and all unique. The round one with the burgundy circle hanging on the back wall is traditionally used to serve food. It is laid on the floor and the platters and trays of food are spread out on it and everyone gathers around to eat.
We want to go back soon and get a few more baskets, but we probably need to give him time to weave more since the group of us did a great job of cleaning out his shop!