Younger generation sustains Albaha’s traditional handicrafts

Albaha, Mohammed bin Jamaan Al Zahrani and Eida Ali Al Zahrani, from Albaha region, are passionate about pyrography; these two artists paint, use calligraphy, and sculpt, using skills they learned from their parents and grandparents. Mohammed used to watch his parents and grandparents practicing carpentry with their simple tools, pointing out that carving and burning on wood needs skill, accuracy, and patience, there is no room for mistakes, and is time-consuming. Eida honed his talent and is using modern techniques in painting, burning wood, and carving to transform wood into sculptures, including old doors and windows taken from Al-Baha's nature, historical, and urban areas. The artists say that the Heritage Commission is interested in handicrafts and supports them by organizing workshops and other events to promote them, as they reflect the region's identity and history. Handicrafts have also become a source of income for those who create them, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). There is great interest in handicrafts in Albaha region; they are popular among various segments of society and are passed down from generation to generation. Artists today are developing and modernizing them, to keep pace with the times. The region is famous for its handicrafts, and has numerous artisans who have been practicing their craft to preserve this heritage and as a source of livelihood. Source : Bahrain News Agency