‘Handicraft producers association working to promote local talent’

AMMAN – The Handicraft Producers Association (HPA) is planning to hold an annual bazaar to showcase products made by craftspeople from across the country, HPA Spokesperson Omar Tahat said on Saturday. 

Consisting of 375 members, the HPA was established seven years ago with the aim of promoting Jordanian talent in handicraft production, Tahat told The Jordan Times during a one-day bazaar held by the HPA in an Amman hotel.

He noted more events and projects are needed to promote handicraft businesses and encourage people to buy such products so that craftspeople do not abandon this profession. 

“Demand is not high for handicrafts because of the lack of promotion,” Tahat said, calling on the government to open a handicraft market so that all the country’s visitors and residents can see the wide range of local products. 

At Saturday’s bazaar in Amman, which attracted both Jordanians and foreigners, local craftspeople showcased products ranging from handmade accessories to traditional scarves. 

Tahat said although the association has held several bazaars, it wanted to expand it this time so that more craftspeople can take part. 

“These events help promote local products and encourage Jordanians to stick to this profession,” he said, adding that “the association also took part in several regional exhibitions.”

Tahat described the prices as “affordable for all segments of society” compared to the efforts exerted by the craftspeople.

Participants interviewed by The Jordan Times said the bazaar provides them with exposure as well as an opportunity to learn new ideas to develop their products. 

Mahasin Abu Shandi, who crochets hats and scarves, said she makes her products in her home.  

“When I noticed that this art was about to become extinct, I decided to learn how to crochet so that I can revive it,” she noted. 

Abu Shandi said this bazaar helped her acquire new ideas to develop her business and products, as well as meet other craftspeople.  

Naser Agha, another participant, said he is following his father’s footsteps by creating handmade accessories such as rings and bracelets. 

“I chose to be a craftsman instead of working at a company because it is a beautiful and creative profession.” 

Noting that “tourism in Jordan is really good and getting better these days,” Agha said these events expose tourists to the Kingdom’s “unique and beautiful” handmade products.

“They are surprised when they see these handicrafts,” he added.

Tahat encouraged craftspeople in Jordan to become members of the association because it can help them showcase their talent to a bigger audience. 

“In the future, we are planning to hold handicraft contests so that we can spread the culture of this profession,” he said.