Mallah

Element Name

Mallah

Other Names

Milaylah

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 Mallah and Milaylah are traditional tableware utensils and forms of bowls used in everyday life in the past. Mallahs were traditionally made from the stripped fibres of date-palm bunches and were also made from metal or Chinese porcelain, with different shapes, sizes and colours. They were used to hold milk and water and coffee cups and to wash fruit and vegetables and serve food and sweets. Small mallahs were used specifically for drinking milk, laban and water. The term mallah was also applied to a pit containing fire and glowing ash. The utensil reflects the simplicity of life in the past and people’s reliance on practical vessels to meet everyday needs.

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.