Description of Challenge
Copper is a malleable metal whose colour can easily be changed to red, yellow and white by adding other metals.The first usage of copper goes back to the ancient Egyptian civilizations. Its used in producing trays, chandeliers, jars, plates, spoons, etc.
Solution
The copper works handcraft involves the usage of raw copper sheets. These sheets are manufactured at the casting workshop and then distributed to copper craft workshops.
There are several tools used in this craft including various engraving steel pens, hammers, compass, scissors , holders, hooks, welding tools and lathe machine. Coppercraft includes the following stages: lathing, assembly, refining, tin lining, glazing, painting, engraving and inlaying.
There are a variety of products from copper crafting, e.g. frames, furniture accessories, chandeliers, statues, coffee sets, kerosene stoves, mosques crescents.
This handcraft depends mainly on transferring experience from the elders to the youth. There are also classic motives which can be taken from books and references. Most craftsmen take up this craft at a young age, as an assistant to an expert craftsman. The quality of the product depends mainly on the experience of the craftsman. There are famous families in Egypt famous in such craft example Wanis family, Khawanky family, Matar workshop etc.
Copper handcraft is directly linked to the Egyptian traditions. For example copper is famous in traditional medicine for the use of copper bracelets and rings, which are used in rheumatic diseases.
Also there is ‘Tasit al khadah’; its tray engraved with birds, and special words. The tray is left outside overnight to collect the dew. It is said that such collected water has curing powers. This tray is characterized by having 40 small metal pieces. If anyone of them is lost the tray will lose its curing power.
Also there are traditions that each new bride must possess special copper utensils.
Reference: كتاب توثيق الحرف والمهن الشعبية
