Ajloun, June 10 (Petra) -- The centuries-old craft of wooden cane making continues to thrive in Ajloun, where local artisans are preserving a tradition deeply rooted in the region's cultural heritage while transforming natural resources into handcrafted products that blend functionality with artistic value.

The craft remains one of the most recognizable traditional industries in the governorate, reflecting the close relationship between local communities and the surrounding natural environment, particularly the diverse tree species that characterize Ajloun's landscape.

Director of the Ajloun Culture Directorate Samer Frihat said traditional crafts constitute an essential part of the national cultural identity and play a key role in preserving folk heritage and passing it on to future generations.

He noted that Ajloun's rich environmental resources have contributed to the development of a variety of wood-based crafts, adding that these industries support cultural and tourism activity while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

Among those preserving the profession is artisan Mustafa Al-Zghoul, who has spent years producing wooden canes and handcrafted decorative items inspired by traditional techniques inherited from previous generations.

Al-Zghoul said the idea originated from the methods once used by parents and grandparents, who relied on natural tree branches as walking sticks in their daily lives before the practice evolved into a specialized craft.

Using olive, pomegranate, apricot and other hardwood species, he carefully selects, dries, straightens and polishes branches before transforming them into canes, lanterns, lighting pieces and decorative artworks.

He explained that some products are custom-made to meet clients' preferences and may include engraved names, personal messages or Quranic verses, adding a unique artistic and cultural dimension to each piece.

According to Al-Zghoul, ongoing innovation remains essential to preserving the craft's appeal, prompting him to continuously develop new designs inspired by the local environment while maintaining the traditional character of his work.

Poet and writer Rasmi Al-Zghoul said wooden canes occupy a special place in rural memory, having historically been associated with mobility, agricultural work and everyday life in villages.

Heritage researcher Mohammad Al-Sharaa noted that the craft has long been prevalent in mountainous and forested regions, where artisans utilized locally sourced wood to create practical tools that eventually acquired cultural and symbolic significance.

He said preserving such crafts contributes to safeguarding traditional knowledge and documenting aspects of social and cultural history that remain closely tied to local identity.

As interest in heritage products continues to grow, artisans in Ajloun are working to ensure that wooden cane making remains a living tradition, connecting contemporary generations with a craft that has been passed down through families for decades.

//Petra// RZ

10/06/2026 11:39:10