Date palm: a tree around which an oasis is built

Knowledge lives in everyday work

UNESCO describes date palm traditions through the actions of people: caring for the trees, growing the crop and using different parts of the plant. These skills are preserved by communities in several countries. The heritage here can be seen in the worker's movements and the sequence of operations. It continues to live as long as people know how to repeat the work and teach it to the next generation, and not just show the finished object.

Weaving, things and oral memory

Leaves, parts of the crown and fibers become materials for crafts. Along with useful things, there is another side of tradition - songs, poetry and customs. One tree is included in both material and oral culture. This view explains why an introduction to dates in a museum or oasis may include a story about the artisan, rather than limited to tasting the fruit.

Harvest begins with water distribution

FAO views the Al Ain and Liwa oases in the UAE as agricultural heritage. They preserve a variety of date palms and historic falaj irrigation systems. These structures show how much organization farming in dry areas requires: water must be supplied and distributed. The green oasis is the result of combining local natural conditions with accumulated human knowledge.

Diversity is more important than the image of one tree

In FAO materials, oases are named as places for the conservation of palm genetic resources. This helps to see the diversity of plants and economic practices behind the general word “dates”. When getting to know the product, it is useful to know the variety and purpose of the fruit, and when getting to know the place, the irrigation system and the work of the people. The historical name of the oasis does not automatically determine the taste of any date on the counter.

Sources

• Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices — UNESCO · Intangible Cultural Heritage
• Al Ain and Liwa Historical Date Palm Oases — FAO · GIAHS