Cultural Heritage
The term “cultural heritage” encompasses everything that has been inherited by nations and communities from their ancient ancestors. This includes a variety of items such as tools, utensils, artworks, principles, proverbs, tales, stories, beliefs, clothing, and much more. In this article, we will focus specifically on the traditional tools and utensils that were used in the past, which form an integral part of our cultural heritage.
Traditional Tools from Heritage
- Lantern:
The lantern is one of the oldest tools linked to our cultural heritage. Initially crafted from stone, it was created by hollowing out basalt rock into a circular or rectangular shape, then carving a narrow groove along the upper edges to hold a wick. The opposite end would contain oil. Over time, the lantern transitioned to being made of glass.
- Sieve:
Also known as a sifter, this is a tool composed of a mesh surrounded by a wooden frame. Its primary function is to filter out larger particles that cannot pass through the holes of the mesh.
- Pot:
The pot, utilized for cooking, was traditionally made from red copper coated with zinc to prevent oxidation. Pots were created in various sizes, including small, medium, and large. The size of a pot was determined by the number of rings it possessed; for instance, a pot with a single ring is considered small, whereas one with eight rings is large enough to require eight individuals to carry it.
- Hoe:
Commonly known as a kalosha, the hoe is an agricultural tool used for weeding and harvesting crops. It is constructed from steel or iron and features a serrated arc design.
- Wooden Basin:
Also referred to as “Karmiya,” the wooden basin resembles a rounded container and served multiple purposes, including mixing dough, food storage, or presentation, especially for traditional dishes like mansaf. It is crafted from tree trunks that are hollowed out and shaped into a circular form.
- Primus Stove:
Known as “Baboor,” this essential cooking tool is made of copper and consists of a fuel tank, a pump handle, and three supporting legs. It was widely used to heat water, cook food, and provide warmth.
- Tweezers:
The tweezers are a metal tool with non-serrated ends and a wooden handle measuring approximately twenty centimeters long and three to four centimeters wide. They were primarily used for plucking facial and eyebrow hair after applying a red pottery powder to the skin.
- Water Wheel:
This tool comprises several circular wooden sections interconnected in a manner that allows movement via the teeth of vertical and horizontal wooden gears, along with iron buckets. The rotation of these pulleys, powered by animal strength, facilitates the drawing of water from rivers for irrigation purposes.