Mafraq, Sept. 17 -- In the vast northern Badia of Jordan, where black basalt rock carpets the desert, an ancient craft is finding new life. The art of basalt sculpture is gaining momentum in Mafraq Governorate, as local artisans transform rugged stone into timeless works that reflect Jordan’s heritage, culture, and traditions.
The northeastern Badia, particularly the Harra region near Safawi, is among the richest sources of basalt in the country. Long valued since Roman times for its strength and endurance, the stone is now being reimagined by contemporary sculptors who etch into it symbols of Bedouin life, Jordanian values, and national pride.
"Basalt sculpture has become one of the most sought-after arts in Mafraq," said Samer Al-Khuzai’leh, Director of Mafraq’s Directorate of Culture. "With the abundance of raw material and growing talent among our youth, we’ve seen this tradition flourish again." The Directorate has launched training programs and workshops to encourage young men and women to pursue the craft, providing them with professional mentorship and accredited courses. These initiatives, supported by the Ministry of Culture, have already reached dozens of participants, with the project’s budget reaching nearly 30,000 dinars.
A recent collaboration with the Khairat Al-Badia Charity Association brought trainer Mohammad Al-Adhamat, one of Jordan’s most distinguished basalt sculptors, to Safawi. His instruction spans everything from basic carving skills to advanced techniques, guiding students through three phases of mastery.
Many of the program’s graduates are now creating public art. Their works include a memorial monument in Karak honoring the late pilot Muath Al-Kasasbeh, costing 20,000 dinars, and a 12-meter-long mural at the entrance of Mafraq.
For Al-Adhamat, the basalt stone has been a lifelong companion. Since the late 1970s, he has been shaping the unforgiving rock into finely detailed pieces depicting Bedouin culture, Quranic inscriptions, animals, vessels, and even portraits.
"The desert is full of basalt, and it resists time and weather," he said. "Carving it is not only art, it’s a way of keeping memory alive." He believes basalt is more than an artistic medium; it is a national treasure with vast economic potential. His sculptures have gained international attention; through UNESCO, he has trained 160 Jordanian girls, as well as 18 women from Sweden, in the techniques of basalt carving.
The possibilities for basalt extend beyond galleries. Al-Adhamat notes that the stone can play a role in architecture and urban aesthetics, offering a natural, enduring material that links Jordan’s ancient heritage with its modern identity.
"Basalt is not just a rock; it is a canvas of history," he said. "When we carve it, we are not only creating art, but also building a bridge between the past and the present." As the chisels echo across Mafraq’s workshops, each stroke brings Jordan’s cultural memory into sharper relief, etched permanently in stone.
//Petra// RZ
