Fatima lives in the small settlement of Mishaylah in the southern region of Dhofar, a remote and arid area, sparsely populated by semi-nomadic Bedouin communities. As an artisan, she makes use of raw materials found in the desert environment. Among the most of important of these is the wild desert palm, known locally as qadaf, that grows in wadis (dried river beds) and provides frond material for coiled basketry. This type of basketry produces durable, lightweight containers for both liquids and dry goods. Fatima is one of a new generation of basketmakers in Mishaylah. She learned from an aunt who, during the 1990s, was one of only six artisans still making traditional coiled baskets. The women of Mishaylah now work together as a cooperative and basketry has become one of the most important industries for the town.