Making mannequins an unlikely business in this Egyptian village

Mannequins in a shop in Al Kharqaniyah.

Nearly 15 workshops in Al Kharqaniyah make mannequins.

Mannequins made here are exported to Sudan and Libya.

The leading manufacturers acknowledge that imported mannequins are of superior quality, but insist that homemade models live longer.

AL KHARQANIYAH, EGYPT // There is an unlikely industry thriving in a village north of Cairo: the making of mannequins.

The use of mannequins in Egypt dates back to the early years of the last century, when department stores imported them to display western attire sold to expatriates and wealthy Egyptians.

Soon afterwards, Egyptians took up the manufacturing of mannequins. The industry’s birthplace was Cairo, and 85-year-old Hosni Faris is recognised as a pioneer.

It later moved to the village of Al Kharqaniyah, where nearly 15 workshops produce them, employing dozens of workers.

Mr Faris distinguished his workmanship from other makers by his knack for colouring the mannequins’ faces to make them seem life-like, but he will be remembered for making lightweight mannequins with a mix of linen and gypsum.

“The mix I improvised was a good omen for me and those working with me,” he said. “It earned us fame in Egypt and a few clients in Europe.”

His client base had briefly broadened before the advent of computer-generated images and cutting-edge cinematic tricks, with Egyptian movie directors placing orders for “stunt” mannequins made to look like film stars.

Now the industry earns its skilled workers a weekly wage between $16 and $45 (Dh59 and Dh165), a decent income by Egyptian standards.

“At this place, everyone learnt the trade,” said Mr Faris at his workshop. “But, sadly, they are in a hurry and leave me to start their own business too soon.”

Brothers Mohammed and Osama Al Shibiny are among the leading mannequin manufacturers in the village, whose products are exported to Sudan and Libya. They acknowledge that imported mannequins are of superior quality, but insist that homemade models live longer.

* Associated Press