THE BURDAH LADIES' ASSOCIATION IN WADI RUM
The Burdah Ladies' Association is very different from the other organisations that have been mentioned here. It is very small: the exact number fluctuates, but usually between 8 and 12. They have virtually no funding, a grant from the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (their local government authority) just barely covers the rent on their three room premises.
The articles they can produce are simple - this is a true home industry. They have managed to buy an upright loom, which is so much easier to use than a ground loom, but in general they buy their materials themselves.
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This doesn't stop them making some very attractive articles. Their rugs are in the true Bedouin style, using the traditional colours. they also weave bags of all sizes. Comparing the prices here with that of many other rugs and bags of similar quality, you can find some good bargains here.
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The simplicity of their equipment does not stop them weaving the more elaborate designs
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I particularly liked the macrame work. Obviously this is easy do at home or in a small space, but it is light and airy and very attractive.
Besides the wall hangings you see above they also make a large selection of bags of all sizes and for all purposes. I enjoyed the small bags for mobile phones - ideal for the ladies to carry!
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Other macrame articles are necklaces and bracelets, which are also very attractive.
There is also an interesting collection of soaps. Soap is something that is made by most collectivities, but this soap, made like most of the others from olive oil, is perfumed by the herbs and grasses that they gather on the Wadi Rum mountains, and I can attest that many of these herbs have the most wonderful smells. I thought it was a wonderful idea to use them for their soap.
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Their production can be seen at a showroom behind the Rest House in Wadi Rum and also in the handicraft shop at the new Visitors' Centre. It is not to my knowledge sold anywhere else in Jordan. They have no marketing department, and neither the knowledge or the skills to set one up. As I said at the beginning this is a simple operation, but one which is utterly typical of many small towns and villages in Jordan. It might seem less interesting to most people than the big organisations, but it would be kind to encourage them if you can.
Index to the Handcrafts Section
June 2005