Sudanese women hold fast to threatened henna body art
Water scarcity, climate change and three years of war have endangered the cultivation of henna, the plant used to produce the dye that has adorned Sudanese brides for centuries and features prominently in family gatherings, religious celebrations and other events across Sudan.
In a beauty salon in northern Sudan, a woman adorned herself with crimson henna patterns, upholding a tradition under threat. Henna, a plant vital for producing the dye used to adorn Sudanese brides for centuries, now faces challenges from water scarcity, climate change and years of conflict. Najwa Mubarak, the henna artist, emphasized the significance of the art, both as a hobby and a means of livelihood.
The salon in Al-Damer, the capital of River Nile state, illustrated the pressures faced by the crop. Farmer Abdallah Mohammed lamented the declining health of his henna plants due to scarce water supply. Irrigation challenges and the impact of El Nino climate patterns have severely affected henna cultivation, reducing the crop's quantity and quality.
Sudan's ongoing conflict has further damaged infrastructure, exacerbating the situation. Agriculture, a lifeline for 65 percent of Sudan's population, has suffered as rainfall fell up to 30 percent below the long-term average, worsening drought conditions. Despite the challenges, Omnia El-Sayed, a henna salon owner, remains optimistic about the enduring cultural importance of henna.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
