A machine from the past in the middle of an oasis of the future
"Umm Shamma" grinds grain for "Expo" visitors on the mill
The “mills” were associated with social customs and were no longer just a tool for grinding grain.
Emirates today
(Um Shamma) is sitting in one of the corners of an old mountain house, beautifully designed, inside the “Sameem” pavilion at “Expo 2020 Dubai” with her calm, comfortable smile, grinding grains, using a primitive machine, but with an authentic meaning, which is the “mill” that spread in In the past, Emirati homes used to grind grains of various kinds by housewives.
(Um Shamma) told «Emirates Today» that the mill goes beyond the idea of grinding grain, as it was a point for the gathering of neighborhood women in the old towns, as it was difficult in light of the difficult situation for everyone to own this machine, so the women were heading to the house that owned " Mill” to grind what they had of grain, chanting chants related to this social gathering.
She asserts that her presence with many exhibitors of the authentic Emirati heritage at the Expo reflects the country's pride in its history, and its realization that its past, which was characterized by struggle, perseverance and perseverance, is the basis of its luminous present and bright future.
And she adds that "the mill was the result of need in the first place, and it developed over time before modern machines were invented to grind grain, or imported flour ready," noting that there are Emirati women, like her grandmother, who are still keen to grind the grain themselves, because they are convinced that the taste of flour is different. Better than store-bought bread.
The millstone consists of two smooth round stones, placed on top of each other in an identical manner, the upper part being slightly larger than the lower, and in the middle of them there is a small opening for the introduction of grain.
From this hole comes out a small wooden pole that keeps the machine in balance when turning.
The top stone also has a wooden handle to grip and rotate during the grinding process.
(Umm Shamma) indicates that she has preserved this machine from damage, for many years, and considers it one of her precious possessions, given the position it enjoyed among the ancients, so she is keen to highlight it in heritage events, to familiarize new generations and visitors with its amazing function and method of use.
She continues that the “mill” depends primarily on the physical strength of the woman, who begins to rotate the upper part of her, and her sons sometimes help her in this. It is easy to collect, then the flour or grains to be ground are placed in the small hole in the middle of the circular stone, and the woman begins to move it from the upper handle in a continuous circular manner.
If the process of fine grinding of the grain is intended, the mills are moved slowly and for a long time.
If the grain is to be coarsely ground, the grinding process is faster, and the grain is added to the mill at a close time.
• “Umm Shamma” enchants visitors with warm tales about the good times.
Mountain houses in the "heart of the Emirates"
The Heart of the Emirates Pavilion contains a wonderful model of an old mountain house, built of rocks of different sizes, without filling the spaces between them to allow air to enter it, cool the atmosphere and avoid overheating, because it was used in the summer months.
The roofs were made of palm fronds, and some other local wood.