Traditional reed-built dwelling. Known as "barasti" such houses were the most common type of dwelling in the Emirates in pre-oil years. Constructed of dried reed or palm fronds; they were valued for their coolness in the humid summers. Also on dispaly are traditional mats; food covers and other objects braided from palm fibre. Country of Origin: United Arab Emirates. Culture: pIslamic. Date/Period: contemporary Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive. Location: 07