Anamil (Fingertips) is a suspended pendant light that celebrates the regional craft of ‘Safeefah’ (palm frond weaving). The unorthodox design is produced in collaboration with Emirati craftswomen. The timeless metal frame is wrapped with 12 metres of handwoven Safeefah. The metal morphing with Khoos (palm fronds) acts as a timeline, conveying the past, present and future in a single work. The light aims to preserve and evolve the practice of the craft and its community of practitioners. It is designed to share the story of local, female Safeefah weavers with future generations of craftswomen.

The design illustrates the weavers’ fingertips interlaced with the palm fronds. The overall form captures the harmony, repetition, and movement of the weaving process. The eight organic rods, representing infinite balance, revolve around the centre of the light. Held at each end, the rods also tell the story of ‘Yareed’ (thicker palm frond stems used to build structures for traditional houses). The height of the two-metre-long light can be adjusted to any interior context, from a ten-seater dining table to a commercial space or lobby entrance. ‘Anamil’ is a timeless piece that embodies the history and empowers the craftswomen of the United Arab Emirates and the MENA region.

Craft developed by Fatima Ahmed Mahmoud & Fatmah Mohamed Sawy of BIDWA Social Development Programme, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council.