Khashugah – Ladle - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Khashugah – Ladle

Other Names

Mighrafah, Gafshah/Qafshah, Kabshah

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Customs, Traditions and Social Etiquette

Element Type/ Subcategory

Traditions and Etiquette of Food and Hospitality

Current Status

Living heritage

Khashugah – Ladle

The Khashugah is a spoon-like utensil used to scoop food from cooking pots, stir food and transfer it from one vessel to another. Traditionally it was made from wood or metal, while another type was made from palm ribs and generally used to serve food to animals. Its head is shaped like a concave half-circle rather than being flat, making it suitable for eating broth or pouring broth over rice and thareed bread. It is also known by the similar term Gafshah or Qafshah, a name believed to have appeared later through contact between people in the UAE and other Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait, during the 1950s.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

02

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

03

Continuity and Intergenerational Transmission: The element is passed from one generation to the next, either orally through stories, songs, and narratives, or practically through training and hands-on practice. This living process ensures the element’s survival and development over time, while maintaining its connection to its cultural roots.