Artisans of Minab, their craft traditions
Minab is considered one of the main hubs for handicrafts in Hormozgan Province and southern Iran. From ancient times to the present, pottery, wickerwork, traditional textiles, wooden crafts, woven fabrics, and traditional embroidery have been inseparable parts of the life and economy of the people in this region. Various types of wicker and pottery handicrafts have been transported from Tiab Port to the coast of Africa and Southeast Asian countries by knowledgeable sailors on sailing ships.
Cultural significance of local handicrafts
Local handicrafts hold a special place in the culture and traditions of the people, among which wickerwork is the most common craft in Minab, with almost all women and girls familiar with it, chtn.ir wrote. Wickerwork is an ancient and valuable art that is valued not only as an artistic activity but also as a sustainable source for producing various goods. It has been considered an integral part of the life and culture of the people in this area from ancient times until today.
Natural resources and craft development
Minab, with its rich natural resources such as palm leaves and native plants suitable for wickerwork, has created a favorable environment for the development and continuation of this art. This craft not only has economic and practical aspects but has gradually transformed into a cultural and artistic element. The skilled artisans of Minab, both men and women, produce practical and diverse products such as baskets, mats, fans, hats, and other everyday and decorative items using unique skills and distinctive patterns.
These products, made from completely natural and environmentally friendly materials, have always been well-received by locals and even tourists. The primary raw materials needed for wickerwork in the Bahmani village are palm leaves and a type of grass called kash, which is abundantly available in the gardens of Minab for artisans.
Factors contributing to handicraft emergence
The primary origin of wickerwork in Hormozgan Province is Minab, and the reasons for the emergence of handicrafts in this region include the abundance of raw materials in these large rural palm groves, the availability of a large workforce with unemployment during certain seasons, the strong market demand for the products of wicker weavers, and the export of goods to the Indian subcontinent and as far as the Horn of Africa through the historic port of Tiab. These factors are the main reasons for the production of handicrafts in Minab and the Bahmani village.
Tourism potential and national registration
Minab is rich in tourism potential and historical sites. The national registration of Bahmani village can help better introduce these potentials and optimize their use. This region has an abundant workforce and cheap raw materials, which can facilitate the production of local handicraft products. The goal is to preserve handicrafts and support the employment of artists.
Visibility and market engagement
A positive step towards highlighting the importance of handicrafts, culture, and art in this region is making this handmade art visible in domestic and global markets. This serves as motivation for local artisans to engage more in marketing, target-setting, establishing handicraft bazaars, conducting training workshops, organizing tourism tours focused on handicrafts, ensuring the continued development and promotion of wickerwork, and creating sustainable employment for artists active in this field.
Preserving heritage for future generations
Reviving this art and teaching it to younger generations can play a significant role in preserving and enhancing handicrafts. Bahmani village, with over 500 active artisans — representing more than one-third of the village’s population — is a unique example that reflects the deep-rootedness of this craft in the fabric of life of the people in this community.
Economic stability and artisan support
The national registration of this village, along with programs to increase production and sales of products, will ensure job security and economic stability for its artisans as well as for those in neighboring villages. The active establishments in Bahmani village (including a permanent exhibition, a store, and a cooperative) have thus far undertaken the guaranteed purchase of artisans’ products. Registering as the national village of wickerwork will facilitate branding for Bahmani handicrafts, allowing for modern presentation and packaging that can not only be sold in local and provincial shops but also create new markets across the country.
Modernizing handicrafts for global markets
Utilizing the knowledge of experienced individuals in handicraft marketing and collaborating with graduates in this field will enable the products of Bahmani wickerwork to be updated according to the needs of foreign markets. With a fresh approach, these products can be exported under the village’s brand to targeted countries, alongside the leading handicraft producers in the Middle East and Asia. This will not only generate foreign currency but will also ensure job security for those in this sector and the sustainability of handicrafts in the region.
Tourism and cultural attractions
Minab, recognized as a green area, is one of the most important tourist regions in Hormozgan Province. The presence of orchards, palm groves, and agricultural fields, along with proximity to the waters of the Persian Gulf and various cultural attractions such as the Thursday Bazaar, makes this county and Bahmani village a year-round host for both domestic and international tourists. Four tourism and accommodation complexes in Bahmani village, established with the help of the government and the community in the midst of mango and date orchards, provide tourists the opportunity to become familiar with the capacities and artisans of the region while also purchasing their favorite products directly from the producers.
Future plans for artisan welfare
Following the national registration of Bahmani village, the plans include ongoing consultations and negotiations with senior provincial and ministry officials for social security insurance for artisans, pursuing bank loans and special financial support for artisans, organizing tourism events focused on handicrafts, branding and promoting handicrafts and the cultural and artistic heritage of Bahmani village and Minab, and encouraging the use of handicrafts as alternatives to imported goods by updating products and making them functional for today’s lifestyle.
A bright future for Minab’s artisans
The future of the artisans in Minab looks promising as efforts to modernize and promote their crafts continue to gain momentum. By embracing both tradition and innovation, the artisans can secure their livelihoods while ensuring that their rich cultural heritage is preserved for generations to come. The combination of local craftsmanship, tourism, and strategic marketing can create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits not only the artisans but also the entire community. As Minab continues to attract visitors and showcase its unique handicrafts, it stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people, highlighting the importance of supporting local artisans in today’s global economy.