By Ashwini Kolar
● 09 Jul 19
Asia
Destinations
Shopping
Oman is renowned across the world for its unique artifacts and handicrafts. A visit to Oman is truly incomplete if you fail to visit and shop at their diverse souqs. One can easily get lost in an incredible array of souvenirs. So here is a list of things you have to buy from the Omani souqs.
Pottery is one of the many specialties of Oman and ranks first on our list to buy. From traditional urns, vessels, frankincense burners to decorative pieces, you will find all kinds of clay works here. Omanis use the pots to store dates, cook food, and even drink water. We recommend buying frankincense burners as a gift for your friends and family.
These yellow and beige stone-like incense that titillates your olfactory nerves is an essential treasure for the Omanis. They have a tradition of gifting frankincense to the kings and other royalties. It is also believed to have purifying and healing properties.
The landscape of Oman is dotted extensively with palm trees. It is an intrinsic part of the Omani lifestyle as it is not only the source of Omani staple, the dates but also several handicrafts like baskets and mats made of palm leaves. These handicrafts are used to store dates, foodgrains, to cook or make date honey. The leaves are also used to make decorative pieces.
Omani silver is considered superior around the middle-east. Traditionally, silver was used majorly to make Omani women’s jewelry. A wide variety of silver jewelry like necklaces, bangles, earrings, anklets or bracelets are still made here and are perfect gifts for your special ones.
Omanis not only make jewelry out of their precious silver but also the khanjar which is synonymous to Omani culture and finds a place on their flag too. It is also used to make intricate and beautiful silver crafts like a perfume bottle, jewelry boxes, coffee pots, and frankincense burners. Arabic calligraphy or Omani engravings is inscribed delicately on their creations.
Along with silver, Omani wood is also renowned for its superior quality. It is shaped and engraved into a myriad of objects. The most famous creation is the jewelry box, locally called Mandoo. It is a wooden chest decorated with engravings and gold platings.
Omani traditional clothes have a very distinctive style. They are available in a plethora of colors and intricate designs. Men wear dishdasha, a long piece of cloth and kummah, a colorful traditional cap. Women wear colorful dresses and matching scarves. Buy a piece of Omani clothing for your wardrobe.
Ashwini Kolar
An effervescent and talkative soul, Ashwini dreams about visiting every nook and corner of the world. When she is not writing, she is all things food and is busy either hunting for a restaurant or a recipe to cook!
Embracing The Contradictions A 7-day Holiday Plan for the heartbreakingly beautiful Malaysia
29 May 24
The Ultimate Portugal Experience: A Detailed One-Week Travel Plan of Culture, Cuisine, and Coastal Charm
09 May 24
Experience Austria Like Never Before: Your Best One-week Travel Plan to The Land of Mountains
19 Mar 24
One-week Holiday Plan for The Netherlands: Embrace Windmills, Canals, and Vibrant Cities
18 Mar 24
A One-week Holiday Plan For Germany, The Land of Poets and Thinkers
18 Mar 24
Pondicherry: A City the French Left Behind…
07 Sep 18
It’s True – The Egg Came First
14 Jan 19
The Many Faces of Coffee
15 Nov 18
A Road Trip to Remember – Doha to Saudi Arabia
19 Dec 22
Don’t Leave Chiang Mai without Tasting This Dish
29 Jan 19
Beware! Aliens in the House!
17 Oct 19
Oman Approves Covaxin – Travel Without Quarantine!
29 Oct 21
5 Scenic Road Trips in GCC
01 May 20
This Father’s Day Check Off A Destination from Your Dad’s Bucket List
13 Jun 19
A Journey Back in Time – Exploring the Lanes of Old Souqs of the Middle East
02 Jul 18