Most women are involved in handicrafts, mostly bead work called “nim-nim”. Also weaving rugs, and material to make bags. In the past waeving the black fabric with light stripes from goat and sheep hair have been a traditional Bedouin occupation for women, but these days it is only done in North Sinai. Men were also involved in handicraft, such as silversmith work or carving, but these days there aren’t many if any left of these artisians.
There are several formal and informal projects to help these Bedouin artisans to sell their work. Most of these projects are managed by men who are more comfortable dealing with the outside world, but they all work with local women. Whichever project you like, they all support a different segment of the community. At present, we only have projects listed in Saint Catherine, but other projects in other places will also be added soon. We can help you organize a visit to any of the initiatives.
St Catherine
FanSina
FanSina was the first handicraft project established in St Catherine and, uniquely, it is managed by a local Bedouin woman. Selema Gabaly, the founder and driving force behind the project, has become a symbol of the modern Bedouin woman, successfully combining traditional culture with contemporary enterprise. FanSina specialises in handmade Bedouin crafts inspired by local traditions and heritage. There is currently no showroom, but Selema regularly showcases her work on Facebook and can be contacted directly through the platform.
Web: www.facebook.com/beduinehandcrafteselemagabaly/
Salah Mousa’s handicraft project
Managed by Salah Mousa, this project has a small showroom near the Sheikh Mousa Bedouin Camp. The products combine traditional Bedouin craftsmanship with contemporary design, resulting in items that are both elegant and practical. Visitors can browse a variety of handmade products and learn about the techniques and materials used in their creation.
Web: www.facebook.com/salah.mousa.37
Sinai Roots
Founded by Sheikh Hmeid Abu Ghalaba and managed by Salah Awad, son of the legendary silversmith the late Awad Abu Heb, Sinai Roots is one of the largest handicraft initiatives in the St Catherine area. Its spacious showroom in El Milgah displays a wide range of traditional Sinai handicrafts. In addition to the beadwork commonly associated with Bedouin culture, visitors can find silver jewellery, woven items, clothing, decorative pieces, and other locally produced crafts.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/heemed.mousa and www.facebook.com/profile…
Bedouin Craft
Mohamed Hashash’s handicraft project is one of the oldest and best-known initiatives in the region. Based in Wadi Sbaiya, he works from his home and collaborates with craft producers from both the local community and more remote parts of Sinai. In addition to selling handicrafts, he regularly participates in markets, exhibitions, and cultural events, helping to promote traditional Bedouin craftsmanship to a wider audience.
Web: www.facebook.com/profile… and bedouincraft.com
If you would like to suggest a handicraft project that is not listed here, please send us the details and we will be happy to consider adding it.
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