REJUVENATE A LOCAL MARKET

“The copyright in this thesis is owned by the author. Any quotation from the thesis or use of any of the information contained in it must acknowledge this thesis as the source of the quotation or information." i Traditional Bedouin rugs are considered to be one of the most valuable items of cultural heritage throughout the centuries in Oman. The methods for weaving these products and the motifs they employ are full of symbolism and explanations. In the last few decades, the modernization and imported rugs has forced weavers to abandon their craft, as it is not economically viable when forced to compete with the imported rug industry. Additionally, local people seem unable to find rugs, which meet their needs from amongst the locally hand-woven products, and this creates a demand for imports. A solution to this problem is sought in this investigation. The aim of this study is a revival of the original Omani handicrafts that are created by desert people, whose influence was uniquely exercised on the various artistic Islamic decorative motifs. In addition surveys of the local market‟s needs were undertaken to get a better understanding of this industry. The research concludes that an invigoration of the industry is possible; given certain training conditions and marketing effects. An experiment for possible future work was undertaken using computerized „Jacquard loom ‟ production, with the aim of establishing soft furnishing textiles industry in Oman. These computerized looms, with their capability to produce different kinds of fabrics and patterns, can introduce traditional or Islamic motifs to soft furnishing fabrics into Oman which is what the local market requires