Exhibition: Making their mark: women silversmiths from Oman

This exhibition celebrates three generations of women silversmiths from the Sultanate of Oman, Tuful Ramadan (1949–2021), Mahfoudha al-Balushi (b. 1965) and Fatma al Najjar (b. 1992), showcasing their silver work and personal testimonies.

Highlights of the display include jewellery by silversmith Tuful Ramadan and contemporary designer Fatma al Najjar, as well as men’s accessories by Mahfoudha al-Balushi including a silver-embroidered belt to wear the emblematic Omani curved dagger (khanjar). These contemporary pieces are complemented by a magnificent indigo-coloured dress from Dhofar embellished with silver beads and a selection of 1950s jewellery from the collection at the British Museum

Video interviews with the silversmiths and examples of their handcrafted jewellery are complemented by close-up images of the pieces, captured with a digital microscope and a scanning electron microscope, and 3D scan renders. These scientific images and videos reveal the variety of production
techniques, tools and skills used by the women to create their intricate designs, furthering our understanding of Oman’s silversmithing heritage.