Craftsmanship of Mother of Pearl Inlay

Craftsmanship of Mother of Pearl Inlay

Mother of pearl inlay involves embedding pieces of mollusc shells into wooden items like Quran cases and musical instruments. Craftspeople cut shells, etch designs on wood, inlay the cut pieces, and then polish and varnish the surface.
The craftsmen Use durable woods like walnut for contrast, and they create geometric, floral, and calligraphic designs. This craft is rooted in tradition and pride, and it is passed down through apprenticeships and taught in educational institutions.
Today, artisans also use social media and online platforms to share their skills, fostering cultural exchange and preserving heritage by restoring historical objects for museums and monuments.
Craftsmanship of Mother of Pearl Inlay was inscribed in 2023 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Azerbaijan, Turkey.
by Georges Jansoone (User: JoJan), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Craftsmanship of Mother of Pearl Inlay

Date of Inscription

2023