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Rare (finely worked) Omani wooden camel saddle. Carved with geometrical patterns. The circular patterns are also found as decoration on the barrels of Omani matchlocks (Abu Fathilah) of the 17th century see ref 4 page 147. Very high quality. Measures 22 cm high 26 cm wide
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Arab Name: Shdad
Period: 1850-1950
Origin: Oman |
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References:
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Craft heritage of Oman Neil Richardson & Maria Dorr Volume 2 page 334:337;463 illustration. 164 (example on the right is very similar)
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J.L. Carter Tribes in Oman Peninsular publishing 1982 page 112 (on the Omani chest)
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A tribute to Oman National day Volume X "Muscat and its custom houses" Robert Richmond. Apex page 80
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Oman Exhibition Nieuwe Kerk catalogue page 1472009
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Tribute to Oman 22nd National day. "Copper Craftsmanship" By Robert Richmond p 140 (happens to contain a photo of a similar saddle) British Museum has a similar item reg. 2011,6009.38.a-e Small wooden pack-saddle for camels, also called a 'saddle tree' or 'camel tree', made in five parts. The four legs of the saddle are made of carved wood decorated with concentric circles and zigzag patterns. The seat of the saddle is made of two lengths of carved wood that are held together with twine made of straw. The diminutive wooden saddle tree or camel tree (shdad) is carved from sidr [wood] or salam [wood] in four pieces which are joined together to form two parallel arches connected by a crossbar on each side. Two types of saddle tree are used in Oman. The sturdy shdad madalla', used for carrying heavy loads, is large, approximately 40 cm high and 35 cm across the base of the arch. The shdad katibi is smaller, approximately 20 cm high and 20 cm wide, and is used for travelling and ceremonial events. The shdad katibi is often intricately carved, and may feature brass inlay | |