6 Omani Souvenirs That You Can’t-Miss

Oman is renowned across the world for its unique artifacts and handicrafts. A visit to Oman is truly incomplete if you fail to visit and shop at their diverse souqs. One can easily get lost in an incredible array of souvenirs. So here is a list of things you have to buy from the Omani souqs.

 

Must-buy souvenirs from Oman

Pottery

Pottery is one of the many specialties of Oman and ranks first on our list to buy. From traditional urns, vessels, frankincense burners to decorative pieces, you will find all kinds of clay works here. Omanis use the pots to store dates, cook food, and even drink water. We recommend buying frankincense burners as a gift for your friends and family.

 

Frankincense

These yellow and beige stone-like incense that titillates your olfactory nerves is an essential treasure for the Omanis. They have a tradition of gifting frankincense to the kings and other royalties. It is also believed to have purifying and healing properties.

 

Woven palm baskets and mats

The landscape of Oman is dotted extensively with palm trees. It is an intrinsic part of the Omani lifestyle as it is not only the source of Omani staple, the dates but also several handicrafts like baskets and mats made of palm leaves. These handicrafts are used to store dates, foodgrains, to cook or make date honey. The leaves are also used to make decorative pieces.

 

Silver Jewelry and silver crafts

Omani silver is considered superior around the middle-east. Traditionally, silver was used majorly to make Omani women’s jewelry. A wide variety of silver jewelry like necklaces, bangles, earrings, anklets or bracelets are still made here and are perfect gifts for your special ones.

Omanis not only make jewelry out of their precious silver but also the khanjar which is synonymous to Omani culture and finds a place on their flag too. It is also used to make intricate and beautiful silver crafts like a perfume bottle, jewelry boxes, coffee pots, and frankincense burners. Arabic calligraphy or Omani engravings is inscribed delicately on their creations.

 

 Mandoos

Along with silver, Omani wood is also renowned for its superior quality. It is shaped and engraved into a myriad of objects. The most famous creation is the jewelry box, locally called Mandoo.  It is a wooden chest decorated with engravings and gold platings.

 

Omani traditional clothes

Omani traditional clothes have a very distinctive style. They are available in a plethora of colors and intricate designs. Men wear dishdasha, a long piece of cloth and kummah, a colorful traditional cap. Women wear colorful dresses and matching scarves. Buy a piece of Omani clothing for your wardrobe.