What if the Global Village is a bit overwhelming? So much to see and do in so little time. Literally miles to go before you can take a ‘spiral potato’ break. Gulf News journalists decided to extend a helping hand to those who would like to have a cheat sheet to this treasure land of handicrafts and foods. Here are their picks ...
India pavilion
It is enticing with products from the various states of the country. However, what we found to be truly interesting was the traditional patchwork from Gujarat. You can find cushions, couches, seat covers and bed covers. They have seashells, beads and mirror work hand sewn on them. They will definitely add colour to any room.
Another rare find at the pavilion is wooden handmade paint blocks, which can be used for making prints on fabric or applying henna. Gowri, a woman who sells these blocks, told Gulf News: “Deaf and unemployed people in Gujarat make and sell these blocks. The price ranges from Dh2 to Dh50.”
You can also find black metal boxes with silver inlay work. It is called Bidri art, from Hyderabad, and is used to decorate jewellery, boxes, ashtrays and plates.
Mohammad Salman from Hyderabad, is the fourth generation in his family, who continues to practise this art. He said: “There are few families left in India who still pursue this art.” And facilities such as the Global Village help artisans like him.
Salman added: “In the India pavilion, artists are offered free stalls.”
Yemen pavilion
As you enter this pavilion, vendors stand welcoming you behind rows of honey jars. Mohammad Hassan Tuhaini, selling honey at one of the counters, told about the different types of honey.
He said: “There are five basic types, which are Sumar, Sidr, Sidr mountain, Springflower and Sal honey. We do not interfere with the natural honey making process of the bees, we get these from natural honeycombs, here you can also buy honeycombs that produce different types of honey.”
Honey from Yemen is reputed to have antioxidant and antibacterial qualities.
Another interesting buy in this pavilion, is the handmade Bedouin silver and stone jewellery that is often used at weddings and for formal occasions.
Vidya Rajeev, a visitor who bought a few bracelets, said: “This is one of the best places to find exotic jewellery. I come here every year and they have beautiful traditional ornaments, which I match with modern clothes.”
Pakistan pavilion
The pavilion welcomes visitors with displays of colourful traditional clothing. In this rainbow of colours, there are a few stalls that sell handmade Pakistani shoes called ‘Khussa’. They are embroidered with thread work, beads and sequins. They are available for men, women and children. The shoes are made from leather and the quality determines the weight, texture and cost. The most expensive are those that are hand painted.
Khussas are flat and often worn with traditional Pakistani attire called salwar kameez. Bayan Zaker, a shopper, said: “I love coming here to buy these traditional shoes, they are colourful and can be worn with traditional or modern casual clothes. They are also very reasonably priced.” You can get anything from Dh40 to Dh140 — depends on your ability to bargain.
Turkey pavilion
In the market of colourful handmade lamps and jewellery, Mohammad Hossanien sits cutting out a pendant. He said: ”People like to get their names in metal as pendants. It takes us about half an hour to prepare a necklace. We also make bracelets, rings and other ornaments.” You can find ornaments made of gold, gold-plated metal, silver and brass. The most expensive item was a handmade ceiling lamp that cost Dh22,000.
Philippines pavilion
Tissue boxes decorated with seashells are sold for Dh50. Another rare item is a chandelier made of shells and priced at Dh150. However, Jenny Calanoga, a shopkeeper said: “The most popular item is a shopping basket made of Pandanus leaves, which comes in a set of four, either you buy the whole set or you can buy them separately in the size of your preference.” The set is sold for Dh180.
Afghan pavilion
There is beautiful Afghan beaten silver jewellery at this pavilion. Bashir Hussain, who runs one of the kiosks selling these pieces, said: “Metal pieces, rare stones, gems and crystals are used to make necklaces and other ornaments that are traditionally worn by women in Afghanistan. These come from various places like Logar and Jalalabad.” Teapots and jewellery boxes with ornate designs can also be purchased here, the small ones for Dh50 and Dh700 for the large teapots.
We spotted a family of tourists from India shopping for stones and jewellery in the pavilion.
When asked what is interesting about the Global Village, Ramesh Babu said: “We get to see unique things from all around the world at one place, I think this is a very interesting concept. I can find things that are unique to certain countries without really going there. My family has just bought some stones and they can be used when we get rings or other jewellery made.”
Iran pavilion
If you are a fan of intricate handwoven carpets, this is the place to go to. In Ali Reza Tarasoli’s stall, you can find a 120-year-old carpet for sale for Dh250,000. However, Tarasoli adds that with some carpets, it is difficult to know the exact antiquity as they are not properly documented. Creations in silk and wool are available as well as carpets done like a painting with different motifs. Tarasoli said: “With face motifs, it can take up to a year to finish and more than a thousand different colours are used.”
They are selling the carpets at a much cheaper price at the Global Village in order to promote Iranian work. A 12 square metre carpet is sold at Dh2,000, while the market price is Dh7,000. All carpets come with a certificate of authenticity.
You can also find saffron, with the best quality sold for Dh35 per gram. Oveis Rasool said: “The best saffron comes from Mashad, and the quality of saffron depends on what usage you have in mind, such as baking for flavour or just colouring.”
Africa pavilion
Handmade ritual and ceremonial masks showcasing the culture of Africa are sold ranging from Dh20 to Dh500 depending on size. Samuel Asamoah, an artist, said: “Each mask symbolises something — it can be love, beauty or unity.” Other than ritual masks, you may also find wood carving designs. Asamoah is an African artist from Ghana, and at the stall, he also displays his acrylic paintings on canvas. “I have noticed that at the Global Village people prefer contemporary art rather than antiques,” he said.
Spain pavilion
For all the Lord of the Rings fans out there, your dream might just have come true. In one of the stalls, Leila Jandali has brought the best of Toledo. Handmade swords, knives, jewellery and plates made of pure gold are sold ranging from Dh25 to Dh36,000, the most expensive being a souvenir plate in 24 carat gold.
Delicious olives stuffed with cheese, pepper or anchovies are sold in a five kilogram can for Dh150.
Carlos Lopez, a vendor at one of the stalls, said: “Visitors should try the olives and olive oil sold here because of the unique flavour.”
Palestine pavilion
Clothes with embroidery that showcase Palestinian tradition are available in various designs and patterns. Hussain Yousuf, a vendor, said: “Each pattern symbolises a region and that is why women are seen dressed in different types of clothing in Palestine because they represent their region.” Handmade embroidered dresses for women are sold at prices ranging from Dh300 to Dh1,000. Other than women’s clothing, Yousuf is also showcasing the traditional Kufiya [scarf] at prices ranging from Dh35 to Dh50.
Italy pavilion
If you have a masquerade ball coming up, there is no need to look any further for the ultimate mask. A stall here stores handmade Venetian carnival masks in various sizes and materials. Carlo Mastrosimone, from Rome, said: “We have the Venice carnival in February every year and this is one of the biggest celebrations in Italy. It is a perfect occasion to showcase your Venetian mask.” Prices range from Dh150 to Dh1,000.
