Suwaiq resident Salim al Balushi keeps alive the timeless craft of making ‘Al Shasha’ palm frond boats

Suwaiq – In the serene coastal town of Suwaiq in North Batinah, where whispers from the Arabian Sea jostle with rustling palms, 60-year-old Salim Jameel Al Balushi keeps alive an ancient tradition that has literally weathered the tides of time.

For over four decades, Balushi has dedicated his life to the meticulous craft of constructing traditional Omani boats – known as Al Shasha – a skill he proudly inherited from his forefathers and now passes on to his children.

“I have been in this profession for more than forty years. I inherited this skill from my forefathers, and now, I have been teaching the same to my children,” Balushi said proudly, showing his hands, roughened up by years of labour, yet steady with the precision of a master craftsman.

Al Shasha is a small traditional fishing boat crafted entirely from the stalks of date palm fronds. Every part of the boat, from its sturdy hull to the binding ropes, is sourced from palm trees – a symbol of sustainability and resilience in Omani culture.

Balushi’s boats range from 2m to 10m in length, and are capable of accommodating one to four people.

The process begins with soaking palm fronds in water for 15 days, making them pliable for shaping. Once softened, the fronds are meticulously cleaned, and using traditional hand tools, he creates a wooden frame, binding it with ropes made from coir to reinforce it.

The base of the boat’s body is stuffed with additional fronds, to enhance buoyancy and stability which is crucial for navigating Oman’s coastal waters.

“The base of the boat is stuffed with palm fronds, which makes it float well on water. It is also an ‘anti-sinking’ technique,” Balushi explained, adding, “This provides balance and stability to the boat while out at sea.” Remarkably, each boat takes just three to five days to be constructed, a testament to his expertise and dedication.

Legacy without blueprints

Unlike modern shipbuilding, Balushi relies solely on inherited knowledge, crafting each vessel without any sketches or blueprints. “All the plans for construction are in here,” he said, tapping at his own head with a smile that indicated speaks of pride and nostalgia.

His passion extends beyond crafting functional fishing boats. Balushi also creates miniature models to teach his grandchildren about Oman’s rich maritime heritage, ensuring the younger generation remains connected to their roots.

Balushi actively participates in cultural festivals, showcasing his boats and traditional fishing equipment, including hand-made nets and fish cages. His mission is clear: to revive Oman’s maritime traditions and protect them from fading into obscurity.

“This profession teaches us patience, precision, and endurance,” he noted, reflecting on the virtues embedded in the craft. Balushi urges young Omanis to embrace this heritage, not only as a means of livelihood but also as a means of preserving a cultural identity shaped by the sea.

“I hope the rhythm of the waves, which has been music for my ears for decades, will forever carry the story of Shasha boats for generations to come,” he said.