Al Jarab craft and date preservation in the past
Al Shehhi explained that after being stored in Al Jarab (Palm leaf bags), the dates were transferred to the “Madbasa”, where date syrup was added along with fennel, ginger, black cumin seeds, and lemon leaves. The dates were left to ferment for two to three months before being transported on donkeys, a scene that reflects aspects of agricultural life in the past.
Al Shehhi also showcased the different types of dates cultivated, such as Barhi and Kas Habash, and explained the stages of the date’s journey from the palm tree to the date itself. In addition, he demonstrated the crafting of ropes from palm fibres and their use in building traditional structures, rooms, and decorative items.
Palm products and traditional irrigation in agricultural memory
The pavilion featured an exhibition of diverse agricultural products and vegetables. Also present was Maryam Ali Rashad, who has been crafting palm-leaf bags for over ten years, showcasing examples of her handicrafts. Traditional farming tools used in the past for harvesting and pruning trees were also on display.
Visitors were introduced to a variety of agricultural products, including tomatoes and eggplants, grown by farmer Yousef Rashid Al-Jumaili, who inherited the trade from his ancestors. Traditional pickles such as lemons and harissa (chili paste) were also on display, along with an explanation of the old irrigation system, known as “Al-Yazra,” and its components: the well, basin, and parts made from palm fronds.
The agricultural pavilion offered a vivid portrayal of the Emirati people’s connection to the land and the palm tree, emphasising the continued presence of traditional agricultural practices in the collective memory during the 23rd Sharjah Heritage Days.
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