"Two dozen camels are owned by him, accompanied by four daughters whom he publicly declares to hold affection for almost equally."
Cruising Down the Omani Highway with a Camel Connoisseur
Journeying down a stretch of road outside Muscat, Oman, camels come up in conversation, my traveling companion being Mohammed Al-Mahri, a distinguished member of the Al-Mahri tribe from the Dhofar region. With a lineage tracing back through the ages to the Prophet Hud, Mohammed isn't merely a casual camel chatter, but a seasoned expert.
Boasting 27 camels, the proud Al-Mahri notes with a grin that at least three of his camels are currently pregnant. The discussion of his pets takes a backseat, however, when we come across two camels hobbled by the side of the road. Assured by Mohammed that these animals are not forsaken, but indicative of a local Bedouin family's wealth and prestige, our chat veers towards the imperious world of camel beauty contests - a unique spectacle akin to the Crufts of the camel kingdom.
Camels are renowned for their resilience, but their beauty is rarely acknowledged. However, these contests depict camels as objects of artistry, perfect representatives of an ancient breeding tradition. Although they are available in diverse colors - from snowy white to sleek black to fiery gold - the assessing process is fairly uniform.
A large, robust head with a bold forehead, firm ears, and a distinct nose are the keys to creating a winning ensemble. To enhance their allure, these beasts must possess soulful, captivating eyes with long, alluring eyelashes, full lips, a gracious neck, and an exquisite posture. A sinewy, muscular structure, lean legs, and a gleaming, sun-resistant coat complete the desired aesthetic.
Eavesdroppers might assume we were discussing human beauty standards, but the connection abruptly ends when we touch upon grooming rituals and physical adaptations like whiskers and humps. Mentioning the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and regular grooming brings humanity right back into the picture.
However, the serenity of the camel world was disrupted a few years ago by the booming popularity of camel enhancement procedures. Some owners cheated in prestigious events like the King Abdulaziz camel festival in Saudi Arabia by using hormones to boost muscle mass, fillers to stretch features, and Botox for wrinkle reduction. The practice led to grave consequences, with participants facing heavy penalties and the introduction of stringent checks to maintain competition integrity.
Inquiring about his thoughts on the scandal, Mohammed reveals a practical viewpoint, jokingly remarking, 'Why would I tamper with my black camels when they have natural beauty to boast?'
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Pamela Goodman * our platform * House & Garden * The Times * @pamelagoodman24
Enjoying the journey down the Omani highway, the conversation between traveler and camel connoisseur, Mohammed Al-Mahri, veered into the unique world of home-and-garden, as Mohammed's pride in his camels inspired thoughts of the imperious camel beauty contests akin to the Crufts of the camel kingdom. Curious minds might find these contests a fascinating fusion of home-and-garden and lifestyle, with the care and grooming of the camels showcasing a blend of artistry and traditional beauty standards.
