Ali Baba CaveAs part of a BBC News Online series about people's daily lives, Nabil Moussa shares his passion for art and antiques.
I am single, 40 years old and a Libyan.
I collect antique furniture, ivory and trinkets which I sell in my shop - the Ali Baba Cave.
The name was inspired by an Italian lady friend of mine who often came here. She once told me that this shop looks like Ali Baba's Cave, so I decided to call it just that.
Hidden talents
I do not just sell though. My real work involves inscribing on brass. I have had this gift in art since I was a child and I love what I do.
Inscriptions require special attention to detail and to do this there are two main tools that I use, a hammer and an engraving tool.
I add markings and images to many of the items you can see here. I sell them in my shop as well.
I do not just sell though. My real work involves inscribing on brass. I have had this gift in art since I was a child and I love what I do.
Inscriptions require special attention to detail and to do this there are two main tools that I use, a hammer and an engraving tool.
I add markings and images to many of the items you can see here. I sell them in my shop as well.
Wide knowledge
To improve my skills in the industry, I read many books in English and Italian.
They help me expand my knowledge about what I sell in the shop and also on what I intend to produce in the future.
I love learning more about the history of pieces and their worth.
To improve my skills in the industry, I read many books in English and Italian.
They help me expand my knowledge about what I sell in the shop and also on what I intend to produce in the future.
I love learning more about the history of pieces and their worth.
Inspiration
This engraving was inspired by a painting by Belgian artist Paul Ruben. It is not an exact replica. I've been working on this piece for a month now and I need another week to finish it.
I sent something similar to this but bigger to an exhibition in Berlin.
There is a tourist event there that displays the works of artists and craftsman from all over the world.
I just want people to see my work and hopefully learn something from it.
This engraving was inspired by a painting by Belgian artist Paul Ruben. It is not an exact replica. I've been working on this piece for a month now and I need another week to finish it.
I sent something similar to this but bigger to an exhibition in Berlin.
There is a tourist event there that displays the works of artists and craftsman from all over the world.
I just want people to see my work and hopefully learn something from it.
Inspiration
This engraving was inspired by a painting by Belgian artist Paul Ruben. It is not an exact replica. I've been working on this piece for a month now and I need another week to finish it.
I sent something similar to this but bigger to an exhibition in Berlin.
There is a tourist event there that displays the works of artists and craftsman from all over the world.
I just want people to see my work and hopefully learn something from it.
This engraving was inspired by a painting by Belgian artist Paul Ruben. It is not an exact replica. I've been working on this piece for a month now and I need another week to finish it.
I sent something similar to this but bigger to an exhibition in Berlin.
There is a tourist event there that displays the works of artists and craftsman from all over the world.
I just want people to see my work and hopefully learn something from it.
Competition
There are many other artists who work in brass and copper along this street but it is difficult and needs lots of artistic ability.
Despite the competition, my business has been doing well.
Christie's antique price guide from England has been my reference point to get an edge over the competition.
I have many regular customers, some are Libyans and others are foreigners who live and work here. I give them special prices and they always return.
There are many other artists who work in brass and copper along this street but it is difficult and needs lots of artistic ability.
Despite the competition, my business has been doing well.
Christie's antique price guide from England has been my reference point to get an edge over the competition.
I have many regular customers, some are Libyans and others are foreigners who live and work here. I give them special prices and they always return.
Future prospects
I have put in place plans to expand my business. I have an internet site under construction and I hope to sell more of my antiques online in the future.
The only problem is that our currency is not stable right now and our banking system limits our opportunities, this makes business online very difficult in Libya.
I urge my government to realise the importance of e-commerce. I strongly believe that this is the future.
I have put in place plans to expand my business. I have an internet site under construction and I hope to sell more of my antiques online in the future.
The only problem is that our currency is not stable right now and our banking system limits our opportunities, this makes business online very difficult in Libya.
I urge my government to realise the importance of e-commerce. I strongly believe that this is the future.
Words and Photos: Rana Jawad
BBC News 24
4 comments:
thanks for posting this, its not often libya gets this sort of coverage! hope u dont mind if i link ;)
ur Most Welcome.
Sure You Can do. :)
Thanks Hibo for sharing. This is a very facinating art -of Tripoli- I hope that it will not disappear.
Gheriani
canyamacan.wordpress.com
Big Welcome dear brother Gheriani.
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