Tunisia –Palm frond craft, a traditional craft that resists extinction

Location: Tunis – Tunisia

Language: Arabic

Voice: Natural

Duration: 00:06:13

Source: A24

Restriction: A24 Clients

Dateline: 04-03-2022

Storyline

The palm frond craft is one of the prominent traditional crafts that characterize the cities of southern Tunisia, which are abundant in palm oases.

The palm straw and fronds have been used for ages for the manufacture of baskets, umbrellas, types of carpets, and strong ropes.

The craft of palm fronds needs concentration and patience. Women of southern Tunisia used to learn it since childhood, but today the craft is declining due to the low demand.

Some exhibitions, held annually in Tunis, include pavilions for this industry.

The products differ according to the different types of palms from which the fronds are taken; each palm tree has its products and quality.

Also, the palm fronds differ according to the different parts of the palm from which it is taken. Women working in this craft dry the fronds before they start their work.

Shotlist

• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:

“This is a traditional craft for people of Hama city, Gabes governorate, southern Tunisia. I learned it in our home when I was 6 years old. We only have the fronds to make our living. I have been working in this craft since 1958 and I never quite it until I came to Tunis, where I stayed for about 4 or 5 years without work, but when the conditions were difficult, I returned to work.”

• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:
• “The first time was in 2002-2003 when someone invited me to participate in an exhibition, and I did participate with a few products. They were pleased and encouraged me and since then I started working in this craft. I used to earn from the participation in the exhibition. I participate in many exhibitions in different cities.
• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:

“I bring the fronds and everything from the city of Hama. If the fronds are taken from the core of the palm, it is dried and left till it gets white but if we take it from both sides of the palm, its color will get green. There are different types of palm, and each one is used to make different products and quality. The high-quality type is expensive, as a kilogram cost 50 dinars now; it used to cost 18 to 29 dinars”

• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:

“We take the fronds and cut them depending on the size of the fronds. I make fans, baskets, umbrellas, purses, bags, and others. Each product has its method of manufacture.”

• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:

“I require concentration and patience. I have taught girls in several regions of Tunisia, some girls became skilled, and others don’t. I also got 20 girls to teach, only 7 or 8 of them left, and the rest refused to continue learning, although I suggested supporting them and promoting their work in exhibitions, most of them did not like this craft because it doesn’t make a lot of money”

• (SOUNDBITE) Doriya Khodari – Craftswoman:

“My son asked me to quit because of my old age, but I can’t, it’s a hobby too. If I don’t work I get sick, and I always want to work. When I go to one of my sons’ houses and keep sitting without work, I don’t feel good. I hurry back to my house, I start working, and then I feel happy.”

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