Al Karmah

Element Name

Al Karmah

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

Endangered heritage

The Karmah is made from goat and sheep skins after they have been tanned and treated using traditional methods that help preserve milk after milking. Craftspeople carefully prepared the skin by cleaning, drying, cutting and shaping it to ensure that it remained firm and prevented liquids from leaking, turning it into a suitable vessel for keeping milk in everyday life. Wooden sticks were sometimes added at the ends of the Karmah to maintain its shape and make it easier to carry or hang in an elevated position inside the home or at grazing sites. Another form of Karmah was made from wood, with craftspeople carving a wooden vessel used for the same purpose of storing and serving milk. The Karmah reflects the skill of traditional crafts and people’s ability to use natural materials available in their environment to meet everyday needs through simple and practical means suited to life in the past.

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.