SACRED HANDS
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The City of the Death
The main actors of SACRED HANDS are the craftsmen. They produce individual, unique pieces that are not available on the mass consumption market. Despite all their skills and the unique status as craftsmen, they usually belong to the poorer population group in the society of a country. It is a fact that due to the ongoing globalization of markets and the economy, small family businesses or individuals find it difficult to keep up with these markets. Not only are traditions, culture and knowledge being lost, but trained and experienced women and men are being forced to look for other jobs because they are no longer able to feed their families or finance a home and education with their vocation that has been passed down through generations. 
Sacred Hands | A decorative latern, crafted by Maghdy
Sacred Hands | A filigran shadow play lamp, crafted by Maghdy
Sacred Hands | Islamic Geometry on a copper plate, crafted by Maghdy
Sacred Hands | Islamic Geometry on brass plates, crafted by Maghdy
Sacred Hands | Brass tabel top plate, crafted by Maghdy
Maghdy
Maghdy is the last Brass-Smith in the area around the City of the Death. He was born 28.02.1962 and learned the craft from his father. Maghdys’ father died just four years after he was born, so he wanted to continue the craft on his own. Since a young child he was always very keen on learning the craft of Brass work, as he turned 10 he started to learn the craft by himself. He his working with brass now for over 48 years.
Sacred Hands | Silver plated brass bracelets, crafted by Muhammed
Sacred Hands | Silver plated brass necklace and bracelet, crafted by Muhammed
Sacred Hands | Silver plated brass bracelets, crafted by Muhammed
Sacred Hands | The atelier of the master Muhammed
Muhammed
Muhammed Ahmad Mahmud is the last Silver-Smith in the area around the Suq of Qaitbay. He was born 23.04.1950 and lear- ned the craft from his father. As a child he was always very fascinated about how gemstones got set in the rings his father did, as he turned 13 he skipped school and started to learn the craft at his fathers workshop.
Sacred Hands | A piece of paraffin at the workshop of Reza
Sacred Hands | A paraffin plate at the workshop of Reza
Sacred Hands | Some candles crafted by Reza
Sacred Hands | Candles for your antique chandelier crafted by Reza
Sacred Hands | Candles for your antique chandelier crafted by Reza
Reza
Reza Fouad Haney, is one of the last Candle-Maker in Cairo. He learned his craft from his father and still operates his shop, just behind Bab Zuweila. He was born 22.06.1960 and grew up within the sprawling center of crafts, in the heart of medival Cairo city center. His one of a kind craft skills are still requested, but nobody knows how long he will be able to bring light to the people, with his beautiful crafted candles
