Handicrafts
Straw making
It is one of the oldest handicrafts associated with the agricultural environment, and reflects the popular heritage in many Arab countries.
Overview
The straw industry in Palestine is concentrated and active in the central West Bank. It is an industry passed down from fathers to sons, and it uses raw materials based on palm trunks. It is worth mentioning that women in homes make the products, as they make distinctive straw baskets and trays.
Materials used in straw making
- Palm trunks.
- Wheat straw.
- Barley straw.
- Dried grasses and stems of other plants.
Products made from straw
- Baskets for vegetables and fruits.
- Baskets for flowers and decorations.
- Straw trays.
- Traditional hats.
- Bags and household items.
- Furnishings and mats for the floor.
The Importance of Straw Crafts
- 1They preserve folk heritage and traditional crafts.
- 2They provide employment opportunities for individuals, especially in villages and rural areas, and increase family income.
- 3They stimulate tourism through the sale of heritage products.
- 4They recycle agricultural waste and utilize it instead of burning it, making them an environmentally friendly industry.
Advantages of straw making
Lightweight and easy to use. No complex tools or machinery are required to make them. The materials are readily available and inexpensive compared to other products. Possibilities for creativity and shaping.