Kohl

Element Name

Kohl

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

Traditional Clothing

Current Status

Living heritage

Kohl is traditionally made from ithmid, antimony stone, which is carefully crushed into a fine powder and then mixed with natural materials such as oils or rose water. A wooden or metal applicator known as a mirwad is used to apply the kohl precisely around the eyes.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

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.