Hasir, 2025 

Photography, video

I was deeply inspired by 12 women I met in Masalli, the last guardians of their community’s traditional craft – hasir. Hasir is a structure woven out of reeds used to protect the home from the natural elements – it is a physical manifestation of care given by women to their families.

These women represent centuries of skill passed from generation to generation. Despite their dedication, they face significant challenges—even lacking proper clothing while collecting reeds from marshy waters. This highlights the fragility of their craft, which is on the verge of extinction in our country.

I documented their process, from harvesting reeds in the water to drying them in the sun and weaving them into mats. However, beyond their physical labor, I encountered another issue: their lack of representation in society. These women were shy, unfamiliar with social media, and hesitant to showcase their work, fearing judgment from men. They didn’t realize that their craft is not just a means of survival but a vital part of their community’s cultural heritage.