Starting in the 1980s, the Egyptian government began developing a large-scale tourist infrastructure on the coastal land of South Sinai, motivating the region's semi-nomadic people, the Bedouins, to increasingly turn to tourism for a very competitive income. In the last 30 months, tourism has dropped due to regional and worldwide violence. In an effort to sustain Bedouin crafts, provide income, and widen their marketing reach, a new Bedouin women's handicraft center was founded last year. The manager, Sa'ad Ateya Selim, shared her experience and explained the center's importance in an interview with Beth Jacob, a CS intern.

Q: How did traditional Bedouins compare with those of today, and how have they had to adapt their beadwork?

A: The Bedouins of Sinai were nomadic tribes based on an oral tradition -that's why there is a high rate of illiteracy among them. A main source of survival was flocks of sheep, goats, and camels. The Bedouin women have always worn highly decorated attire, as handicrafts were for personal use, not to sell. Lately, Bedouins have become sedentary, living in stone houses and rarely continuing their nomadic traditions of traveling with the herds. Now we mainly support ourselves by catering to tourists. The men either bring tourists to the desert or they have camps along the coast. Today, due to the political problems with the neighboring country, many of these sources of income have dwindled. Therefore, the women began producing more bead works to sell to the tourists. Their bead works of today, mostly jewelry, can differ from their traditional product because they must design for the satisfaction of the client.

Q: What is the process behind running the craft center?

A: The centrally located handicraft center is where the women get their various beads, take them home, and craft at their own leisure. Once they have produced a few, they deliver them to the center where, with the help of an appointee, they try to sell the work. My job is to keep track of the beads, the women's products, and the money earned. I also order the beads, price the products, take orders from clients, and get the women to produce them.

Sample of Bedouin jewellery for sale

Q: Why do you enjoy managing the craftwork?

A: I am happy that "a door of wealth" has been opened for the women. I feel I have a personality and that I can rely on my self; that I have become independent. I am also the first woman to manage this center, and hope it will progress in the future.

Q: How do the women learn the craft?

A: It is learned from mother to daughter. A woman might sit with her daughters and work on the handicraft, or female friends may visit and take over the work of a daughter that has to make tea for the guests.... it is very social!

Q: Describe why you think your education and family support is important for your job?

A: The center has a large amount of accounting and paperwork, my education has enabled me to manage this. I am able to teach and set an example for the younger generations. The support of my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and Selima of the St. Katherine craft center, the first center of Sinai, have all made my work at the center possible.

Q: Since this is a new center, what does your group need?

A: The center needs a sewing machine and a person willing to teach us how to do fine finishing work with it. This would help us create a greater range of products. I have been taught the rudimentary knowledge of the computer, with which we could post advertisements and increase our organization. We also have no telephone, and need a sign outside our center. Currently, it is only through word of mouth that we receive customers.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

A: This center is an open door to a better life for the women. I am very happy about the interview, as it will increase awareness of the center. When I tell the woman about this, it will motivate them. Thank you for your concern and help in this matter.

For more information on the Bedouins and the South Sinai see Gardner, A. A Crossroads to Peace in South Sinai. Cultural Survival Quarterly, Summer 2002.

If you would like to help Sa'ad's Bedouin craft center, please contact the US marketing representative at emilie@sinainet.com.eg or bedouinart@sinainet.com.eg