The coastal town of Sur, in the Sharqiyah region of Oman, is one of Oman’s great historic entrepots and played an important role in Oman’s emergence as a seafaring nation. In addition to India, East Africa and Southeast Asia, Omani merchants sailed all the way to Canton in China. The crafts of Sur and the surrounding region are reflective of the importance of trade to the local community.

Huda Salim Mohammed Al Hashmi is a member of the Al Hashmi tribe. She is particularly known for heavily-encrusted bands of silver embroidery that are used to adorn the cuffs of women’s trousers and their dishdashah.