Ki'lu - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Ki’lu

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

Ki’lu

Ki'lu is a traditional vessel resembling the Karmah in shape and use. It takes the form of a bowl made from woven date-palm fronds or from plaited strands of a date bunch using inherited manual techniques. It was used primarily to hold and store milk after milking and was sometimes also used to serve certain foods and beverages in old homes. Ki'lu is lightweight and easy to carry, and its simple design reflects older ways of life and people’s reliance on tools made from locally available materials. Its manufacture required skill in weaving palm fronds and arranging them tightly enough to make the vessel durable for everyday use. This craft was particularly known in rural areas because of the availability of date palms and their natural materials, which were used extensively in traditional crafts. Today, Ki'lu is regarded as a heritage utensil representing traditional craftsmanship and older ways of life in the UAE and Gulf region.

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.