How an Omani artisan crafts stories in clay bringing tradition into the future

Observer

18-06-2025

Oman's relationship with clay pots can be traced even in ancient times. Today, visiting a bustling market in Muscat, you might stumble across a small stall displaying simple, yet beautifully crafted ceramic mugs and bowls. These aren't just ordinary tableware — they tell stories, carry memories, and connect generations.
That's the world Fatema Al Muttawa is shaping with her hands every day. She's not just moulding clay; she's creating pieces that speak. Each of her ceramic works holds a story, a reflection of her homeland and her personal experiences. For her, clay isn't simply a material — it's a living thing that carries history and emotion.
Fatema's journey into the world of ceramics started with a simple question: 'Why don't I design my own mugs instead of importing ready-made ones?' It might seem like a small thought, but for her, it was the spark that ignited a whole new passion. Within just two years, she transformed her hobby into a full-fledged creative pursuit, and her work now exudes a freshness that belies her short time in the craft.
What makes Fatema's pieces truly stand out is her unique perspective on clay. Unlike many others, she sees the material as more than just a dirt to be shaped and fired. She believes clay is alive — it has a soul, a voice that calls to her. Her connection to clay is rooted in centuries of tradition, yet she explores it through a modern lens.
In Oman, pottery has a special place in history. For generations, Omani artisans have created beautiful, functional objects from clay, often decorated with intricate patterns that reflect the country's rich culture.
Bahla, in particular, is famous for its pottery. The ancient fort town has been a hub for ceramic artisans for centuries, with each vessel telling a story of the land and its people. Many of those designs, patterns, and techniques are passed down from father to son or mother to daughter, shaping Oman's identity. That depth of tradition is what Fatema respects and draws inspiration from, even if her work isn't always explicitly patterned.
For the newer generations of Omani artisans, embracing this traditional craft means reconnecting with their roots at a time when modernity often pushes ancient skills aside. It's more than just making pretty objects; it's about keeping alive a cultural identity, about honouring ancestors who shaped the craft with patience and humility. As Fatema puts it, 'Omani pottery is full of stories — stories of the land, of how we live, of poetry woven into everyday life.'
Poetry itself is a core part of Oman's cultural fabric. The tradition of storytelling and poetic expression is woven into daily life — a humble art that celebrates patience, history, and a sense of community. Unlike Western ceramics, which often lean towards the experimental and avant-garde, traditional Omani pottery is grounded, deliberate, and soulful. Fatema believes that understanding this difference helps her craft pieces that are both rooted in tradition and meaningful in today's world.
Interestingly, Fatema sources her clay from the UK. That might sound surprising — why not use local clay? She explains she combines the best of both worlds: by importing high-quality British clay, she achieves a level of precision and smoothness that's hard to find elsewhere. It's a balancing act between traditional spirit and modern techniques, bringing her closer to her artistic goals.
In her studio, each piece isn't just about aesthetics. There's emotion wrapped up in every fingerprint and every colour choice. Sometimes she leaves a fingerprint as a tiny mark — a reminder that a human hand touched this piece, that it embraces imperfection, humility, and authenticity. It's her way of telling people: here is a craft that's alive, direct from a person's heart.
Over time, Fatema's journey has not been without hurdles. Like many artists, she wrestles with logistics — getting her work shipped, marketing herself, finding the right audience. But she views these obstacles not as roadblocks, but as lessons. Her perspective is that every challenge is part of her craft, helping her grow and improve.
What's inspiring about Fatema's story is how she's part of a wider trend — people finding new ways to entertain themselves and express their creativity. Across the world, artists are exploring crafts like pottery, embroidery, or painting, not just to make a living, but to reconnect with traditions and delve into personal reflection. This rising movement is about more than just hobbies; it's about rediscovering a sense of purpose and mastery in a digital age often dominated by instant gratification.
As her creations begin to find audiences both locally and internationally, Fatema feels proud that she's helping to keep Oman's craft scene alive. She hopes her work inspires others, especially young women, to explore their cultural roots and see craft not just as a pastime, but as a meaningful way of life.