(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) A 50ft long sambuk dhow at the Heritage Village in Amerat Park has become a must-see attraction for Omanis expatriates and tourists visiting the Muscat Festival venue.
The majestic vessel offers a fascinating glimpse into Oman's rich maritime history and a tradition which has been kept alive by artisans in the country's dhowmaking hub in Sur.
The word dhow is generally used to describe all traditional wooden Arabian boats.
The traditional Arabian dhow - such as the large ocean-going boom - was curved at both ends while other types – such as the sambuk and ghanjah – boasted a high square stern apparently inspired by the design of Portuguese galleons (multi-decked sailing ships used from 16th to 18th centuries). Another speciality of the traditional dhows was their so-called stitched construction - planks usually of teakwood which were sewn using coir.
The vessel on display at Amerat Park is the sambuk variety and is the ultimate symbol of the nation's seafaring history.
Sitting next to the vessel are five fishermen from Sur who are making miniature models of the sambuk using palm leaves and selling them as souvenirs.
Speaking about the vessel and his passion for making dhows Abdullah Haji one of the fishermen said it normally takes two days to make a 20cm model.
'These vessels remind me of how simple our lives were before machines came into the picture. I make these models not to make money but to show the younger generation the grandeur of our culture.'
Haji said that Omani children are showing great interest in knowing how these dhows are build. 'This ship is not only the pride and beauty of Sur but also of Oman. And we are here to show the visitors the rich maritime heritage of the country.
'Sur has always led from the front in construction of dhows in the region.'<
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