A Glimpse into the Craft

Wood carving on Sarsou wood is a time-honored tradition that has been existing for generations in Hegaza village for thousands of years. This craft carries deep historical significance, as Egyptians relied on this very wood to create their everyday vessels and sacred coffins. The craftsmen source their wood from Aswan. Interestingly, the Sarsou tree wasn't originally native to Egypt, it was brought from India by the British during the era of Khedive Ismail despite the different climate.

The craft experienced a remarkable revival in the late 1970s when a French monk, Father Peter Juan, arrived in Hegaza village with a vision. He was determined to share his woodcarving expertise with the local youth in this small village in Qena governorate. His enthusiasm was inspirational, around 40 young people eagerly gathered around him to learn the art of wood carving.

The French monk who brought new life to this ancient craft, approached carpentry with fresh eyes and innovative thinking. He found inspiration in the natural beauty surrounding the village, drawing ideas for carving and wood turning from the landscape and life around him. His creative approach transformed traditional woodworking into something that honored the past while embracing new possibilities, breathing new energy into Hegaza's woodcarving heritage.

He, the monk, proposed to the Upper Egypt Association for Education and Development the establishment of a training center that would generate income for the people of Hegaza village, where most residents at the time worked in tailoring, farming, or carpentry, particularly making traditional water wheels.

This profession is inherited in the village from fathers and grandfathers for many years. Most of the village residents have taken this craft as a source of livelihood, and inside every house they practice this profession. The craft has also evolved to include women, as mentioned that women have started entering the profession.

In earlier times, traditional carpentry apprenticeships required up to three years of training for trainees to fully master the craft. Today, however, the quality of craftsmanship has declined significantly. Wood crafts in particular now involve training periods of only 3-6 months. This shortened timeframe is insufficient for apprentices who wish to gain comprehensive knowledge and true mastery of the craft.

Key Materials

The main material used is Sarsou (Sheesham), a deciduous tree from the legume family, reaching up to 25 meters in height, characterized by its spreading branches and cracked bark, brown tending to gray.

Sarsou is known as wood famous in Qena governorate, and it is the product of trees grown in hot areas, their wood is cut and kept in water for a full year, after which it is exposed to sunlight.

And for the secondary material, there is Khaya, better known as African Mahogany, is a stunning tree that grows naturally in tropical West Africa. These impressive trees can tower up to 30-35 meters tall with thick, straight trunks that can measure a meter across. Their bark has a unique charm, it's dark brown to gray and peels away naturally in thin strips, giving each tree its own character.

What really makes Khaya special is its gorgeous wood. The honey-brown color is incredibly strong and long-lasting, which is why craftspeople love using it for quality furniture, cabinets, and even boats. But the tree's value goes beyond beautiful wood. For generations, local communities have also relied on different parts of the tree as natural medicine, using it to help with common ailments like fevers and other health issues. It's truly a tree that gives back in multiple ways.

Essential Tools

The craft relies primarily on manual tools for precision work, maintaining the traditional handcrafted quality. The first stage of manufacturing begins with sawing the wood on tree saws used for cutting the raw wood into initial pieces. Tree parts are then cut to specific sizes using a large saw next to the entrance door, designed by the French monk himself for initial wood preparation.

Once the wood is properly dried and ready for carving, the youth begin carving with hand chisels to produce the most beautiful handicrafts, which serve as the primary carving tools used for detailed work and creating the intricate designs that Hegaza village is famous for.

How it’s Made

First of all, this craft requires precision and skill, so the craftsman works with his heart and mind to ultimately produce beautiful artistic shapes and kitchen tools with eye-catching colors and handmade design preferred by many. 

The initial stage of manufacturing begins with sawing the wood on tree saws, where the raw Sarsou wood (Sheesham wood) is cut into manageable pieces using specialized saws. Manufacturing shapes from Sarsou wood goes through several stages, the most important of which is sawing the wood and placing it in water for a long period, a crucial water treatment process that enhances the wood's workability and durability.

Following this, the wood enters warehouses for drying for two years, an extended drying period essential for preventing cracking and ensuring the wood's stability. After leaving it to dry to become ready for manufacturing, the final stage begins through carving with chisels, where the youth begin carving with hand chisels to produce the most beautiful handicrafts, carefully shaping the dried wood into the intricate designs and functional pieces that have made Hegaza village renowned for its woodworking tradition.

The final products include various handicrafts and wooden utensils, with the village famous for its products in local and international exhibitions. The craft serves both artistic and practical purposes, creating both decorative items and functional household tools.

Risks to Continuity

The craft also faces serious competition from industrially manufactured products. Machine-made wooden items, widely available in hypermarkets and retail stores, pose a major threat to both the survival of traditional craftsmanship and the market for handmade goods. As consumers increasingly turn to these mass-produced alternatives, the demand for authentic, hand-crafted pieces declines, putting the entire tradition at risk. However, efforts are being made to preserve this valuable craft through documentation, promoting awareness of its cultural significance, and encouraging support for local artisans who continue to practice these traditional methods.

Partnership Outcomes

Hegaza has maintained a collaborative partnership with Fair Trade Egypt since 2002, with achievements progressively expanding over the years. Fair Trade Egypt offers an extensive collection from Hegaza artisans, including decorative animal-themed carvings, elegant serving dishes, streamlined functional salad bowls, and various kitchen accessories designed to enhance any home décor. In addition, merging crafts proved to be an interesting approach worth exploring, and the results exceeded expectations. Combining alabaster with wood created beautiful outcomes.

Procurement from the Hegaza Wooden Craft Project directly supports the preservation of this distinctive artisanal tradition while providing sustainable livelihoods for the skilled craftsmen who practice this ancient craft.

All in all, this traditional craft combines Ancient Egyptian woodworking heritage with modern techniques introduced by French monks, creating a unique artisanal tradition that continues to provide livelihoods for the people of Hegaza village while preserving cultural heritage through skilled craftsmanship.