A craftsman in Al-Majar Al-Kabir manually upholsters a mattress. (Photo: 964media)
Maysan
Traditional mattress-making endures in Al-Majar Al-Kabir
MAYSAN — The craft of making handmade mattresses continues in the Al-Majar Al-Kabir district of Maysan governorate, where 14 craftsmen and around 30 shops remain committed to manual upholstery. Despite the availability of ready-made bedding, many locals still prefer mattresses made from cotton and wool by traditional artisans.
Craftsmen here say their trade has roots in Iranian heritage. “We learned the profession from Iranians,” said Ali Rashk, who has more than 40 years of experience as a mattress-maker. “Handmade mattresses are more durable and of higher quality than factory-made alternatives.”
According to Rashk and others, while some tools have modernized — such as replacing the traditional AL-Kuz hand tool with machines — the core technique remains largely unchanged.
“We inherited the profession from our grandfather,” said Hassanein Al-Jaberi, who continues to follow the manual methods.
Another veteran craftsman, Khaled Abu Walid, recalled his early days at the old Badrawi market, starting in second grade under the instruction of master craftsman Abu Abbas Dhafir. He has since trained several newcomers to the trade.
“Things were more accurate and of better quality in the past,” Khaled said. “Today, most products are pre-made.”
He noted that what began as just three craftsmen in the area has expanded to dozens in the Badrawi market, with another hub in Amara.
Those who still practice the craft describe the upholstery machine, needle, and thread as essential tools. Previously, dyeing fabric was done by hand, and family traditions often featured dances when delivering wedding dowries.
