Location: Tunis – Tunisia
Language: Arabic
Voice: Natural
Duration: 00:06:02
Source: A24
Restriction: A24 Clients
Dateline: 03-03-2022
Storyline:
Coral is one of the oldest stones used in jewelry making in Tunisia. It is extracted from the Tunisian coast, especially the northern city of Tabarka, as well as the surrounding Algerian coasts.
Tunisians have been combining coral with silver and other stones since ancient times; to make unique jewelry. Tunisian coral is also exported as a raw material to several countries, especially Italy.
Today, this marine wealth is under threat of extinction, especially with the chaos after the Tunisian revolution and the popularity of smuggling this type of stone.
Shot list:
(SOUNDBITE) Ali Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“I decided to work in this field in 1979 after I quit working in the mines. At that time, One Kg of coral used to cost 30-35 dinars. I used to go to Tabarka to buy it. Now it costs 20 million or even 22 million.”
(SOUNDBITE) Ali Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“I learned by myself. I learned how to drill stones. I used to use a hand drill and slowly I started to develop. When the Italians started to come and buy it as raw material, its prices started to rise; until today one kilogram costs millions.”
(SOUNDBITE) Izz al-Din Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“The kings in the history believed that it treats the magic, and it used to be one of the most expensive gifts for kings, and empires exchanged it. For example, the most expensive coral necklace made until now is the necklace of Napoleon’s wife. I learned about the beliefs of each people, for example, the Native Americans believed that the bad coral with holes is haunted by the soul of the head of the family. In Asian countries, Buddha wore coral in the shape of cheese. The Berbers had many beliefs, such as that coral is necessary for embroidering the bride’s dress. In Morocco, the bride does not leave her house until she wears a 1.5 kg of coral necklace, along with amber and silver.”
(SOUNDBITE) Hatem Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“Coral is well known and has its global market, and the largest exhibition in the world is in Hong Kong, held in November annually. Tunisia’s coral is taken out and displayed in Hong Kong and is exported to all global markets but under the name of an Italian industry although it is ours. When you search for coral, you will find the Tunisian city of Tabarka is on the top of the results, not Cecilia or others. So why did we not work on this name to develop it, and the products become presented in Hong Kong under the name of Tunisia, it is illogical that our products are presented under the name of Italian or other countries.”
(SOUNDBITE) Hatem Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“The problem we face now is in the supply of coral raw materials. There has been great pressure and a lot of interfering parties, especially after the revolution.”
(SOUNDBITE) Ali Hammami – Coral jewelry maker:
“Most of those who worked with me, around 20 or 30 people, did not succeed. Some worked for a few days and earned some money then quit without learning the craft because they did not like it. Those who loved the craft are still working with it to this day. If you love any job, you will succeed in it”
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