Riyadh: Amid the calm bustle of the International Crafts Pavilion at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week 'Banan,' a story emerged from a softly lit corner where Hungarian artisan Viola Nemes sat over her small wooden pillow, deftly moving dozens of threads with a delicacy reminiscent of a bygone era.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Nemes appeared as though she were holding the last traces of old Europe's memory, working the threads as if they were a living vein flowing from past to present. With each movement of her fingers, the story became clearer: this is where ribbons of light are made.
Viola spoke about her craft: 'The Bobbin Lace technique traces its roots to 16th-century Italy, and the first book recording its rules was published in Venice in 1559 before it spread to various European countries, including Hungary.'
She added that women used to make lace for clothing, table linens, and curtains, until machines emerged at the end of the 19th century, pushing this art to the margins and bringing it to the brink of extinction.
Viola's participation at Banan offers the public live experiences showcasing the beauty and authenticity of crafts, and facilitates the exchange of expertise among artisans worldwide.
Banan is organized by the Heritage Commission and serves as a global platform that brings together artisans from diverse cultures.