“dallah” Coffee Maker

The “Dallah” coffee pot we see here is a beautiful and representative piece of Arab culture. Probably made of copper, it has a characteristic bulbous body, with a long crescent-shaped spout and a sinuous handle. The top is crowned with a domed lid, often topped with a decorative knob. The surface of the coffee pot shows engraved designs, probably traditional Arabic designs, which add to its elegant and artistic look. The dallah is much more than just a coffee pot: it is an iconic work of art in Arab culture, used to prepare and serve coffee across the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. Closely associated with the coffee ritual, the dallah is a strong symbol of Arab hospitality. Probably appearing in the 16th century, the dallah is inseparable from the introduction of coffee in the Ottoman Empire. Its distinctive shape, however, may date from the 17th century. This masterpiece is later than the Turkish cezve and the Ethiopian jebena. The dallah embodies the tradition of hospitality of the Arab people. Offering coffee with a dallah is a gesture of welcome and respect. Any failure to follow this ritual can be seen as an affront. Present in homes, it is a symbol of pride and identity. With its bulbous body, long crescent-shaped beak and sinuous handle, the dallah is a marvel of design. Made of brass, steel, silver, or even 24-karat gold for special occasions, it is often adorned with traditional designs like swirls, diamonds, flowers, and cardamom pods. Although artisanal manufacturing is in decline, it remains a precious testimony to ancestral know-how. The dallah is so iconic that it appears on the UAE dirham coins and decorates many urban places. In the souks and souvenir shops, it symbolizes the life and culture of the Arabian peninsula. Owning a dallah means appropriating a part of Arab history and art, celebrating a tradition of hospitality that has endured through the ages. This magnificent object is a centerpiece for any collector passionate about Middle Eastern art and culture.