Generations-old craft disappearing from fabric of Yemen’s society

One of the most distinctive crafts in Yemen is in danger of disappearing.

The specialist craftsemen who make the traditional “ma’awaz maqtab” garment, worn by men in Yemen and some parts of Saudi Arabia, are struggling to find a market for their wares. 

Using techniques handed down over generations, the garment is woven by hand and then soaked in sea water to soften it. 

Materials are too expensive, there’s a war on, and once-loyal customers are now buying from other countries.

Al Jazeera’s Katia Lopez-Hodoyan reports.