RONÎDA HACÎ

Amûdê – Despite technological advances, women do their best to keep ancient traditions alive. One of these traditions is the distaff, a traditional tool used in spinning. 61-year-old Rifa Eli Hesen is the mother of seven and she tries to keep this tradition alive. Living in the village of Uzelmer of Amude city, NE Syria, Rifa Eli Hesen makes wool mattresses, pillows, and prayer rugs to prevent bone diseases. Rifa learned how to use distaff from her mother. “Whenever I look at the distaff, I remember the days when my mother and women came together and sang songs.

“Wool mattresses are good for those who suffer from back pain”

“A society that does not protect its culture will collapse,” Rifa said, “The new generation doesn’t know how to use old and historical materials. They are used to ready-made products. This situation has a negative impact on society.” Rifa uses her distaff to spin wool every day and she still uses the wool mattresses she made years ago. “Wool mattresses are good for those who suffer from back pain. People used natural products in the past for this reason they didn’t often become ill,” she told us.

Call on women to keep their traditions alive

Rifa, who has many historical materials in her house, calls on women to keep their traditions alive. “Don’t use ready-made products, use handmade products. Women and parents should protect their traditions.”