Silversmithing Turning to an ancient craft [Archives:2002/22/Business & Economy]

BY MAHYUB AL-KAMALI
YEMEN TIMES STAFF
The silver industry is still one of interest for many Yemenis as a folklore tradition handed down from one generation to another. Yemeni Jews made great strides in this trade until they left Yemen in the middle of this century.
However, Muslim Yemenis were also apt to learn this profession and really excelled in this domain. For the most part, this trade is more rampant in the northern areas, particularly the Old City of Sanaa and Saada to the north of Sanaa.
Ancient Yemenis came to know silver a long time ago. It has have been used mostly for making jewelry for both men and women. Silver also used to have the name of white gold.
Silver industries in Bab al-Melh Market in the Old City of Sanaa are similar to the other markets in Yemen that are still in demand. Persons involved in this industry can make good money from their artifacts.
When asking a silver artifacts-seller at the market about the segment of the society who likes silver products, he answered, handicrafts attract more foreign tourists due to their low price as well as their quality craftsmanship.
He added that theres a high demand for silver, especially from foreigners and old Yemeni men and women.
One kg of raw silver is sold for US $185, while 100 kg of handicrafts may be sold for US $290.
The Government has set up a national center for preserving this trade. The center provides training and other services to the community involved in this industry.
Yemenis handicraftsmen pay attention to spangle their silver artifacts with Yemenite onyx as well as corals which add beauty to them.
Finger rings spangled with onyx are very expensive and high in demand. These rings usually substitute the golden rings used for by couples for indicating engagement and marriage. From an Islamic perspective men are prohibited from wearing gold as it is restricted to women.
Silver is also used for making bag-like cases worn at the waste. These bags are used by men for their personal belongings.
Silversmiths also manufacture medals, buttons, statues as well as womens decorations. Still, Yemeni women have restored to purchasing silver instead of gold, especially amid the deteriorating economic situation in our country.

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