Preface

by Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General UNESCO

A cornerstone of UNESCO's cultural development agenda is the deeply held belief that each culture has a dignity and value that must be respected and preserved, and that this diversity of national cultures, in all their uniqueness and originality, is essential to human progress and the promotion of world peace through multicultural dialogue. The Omani Craft Heritage Documentation Project contributes to this agenda by presenting to an international audience, for the first time, the craft heritage of Oman.

The examination of traditional craft industries presents themes that link Oman directly with other cultures of the world, for such industries chart the course of human interaction and development and whether utilitarian or artistic in their origin give form to human aspirations and endeavours. Most importantly, these crafts provide a means of cultural expression, a source of pride and self confidence, that is crucial in developing countries and all nations in which the quality of human existence is under threat from industrial standardisation.

Oman became a member of UNESCO in 1972, shortly after the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Since that time, and in spite of a rate of development almost unprecedented in the modern world, Oman's commitment to preserving both the tangible and intangible aspects of traditional heritage and culture has been resolute. It enjoys the distinction of having five registered World Heritage Sites: the Fort and Oasis at Bahla, the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary, the tower tombs at Bat and Wadi Al-Ayn, and the ancient frankincense trade route of southern Oman, including archaeological sites at Shisr, Khor Rori and Al-Balid, together with the unique natural habitat of Wadi Daika which nurtures the groves of frankincense trees. In addition, cultural initiatives such as the Silk Road Project have highlighted the important position occupied by Oman in ancient trade networks. Meanwhile, Oman's living heritage was represented through the Omani Craft Heritage Documentation Project by the authors at Forum UNESCO in 2000. Oman's investment in its heritage and culture will be officially recognised in 2006, when Muscat will be designated as UNESCO's 'Cultural Capital' for the Arab Region.

This book, the culmination of the Omani Craft Heritage Documentation Project, exemplifies the spirit of cooperation between global, national, regional and local heritage practitioners and educators - which is a prerequisite of the documentation of culture. It is my hope that its publication will encourage other countries to take similar steps in documenting their own craft traditions, and to contribute to an international network of solidarity and mutual assistance and an interchange of knowledge and skills on issues of cultural heritage.

I applaud His Highness Seyyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said for his dedication to perpetuating his country's unique cultural identity, and I commend Neil Richardson and Marcia Dorr, the authors of the book, for their dedication to the documentation task and their obvious commitment to the artisans of Oman. I highly recommend this publication not only to all those who have an interest in Oman's heritage and culture, or in crafts in general, but also to those who envision a common world heritage for mankind.

Koïchiro Matsuura Director-General, UNESCO