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So many new things are being discovered about the Phoenicians and Phoenician civilisation that one day soon the history books could seriously need reviewing.
Phoenician remains have been found in both North and South America, a scientific fact that must have had Christopher Colombus turning in his grave. With a third of the Maltese populace recently certified to still have direct Phoenician DNA, it is no wonder the island is so deeply attached to that particular epoch of Mediterranean history. The Phoenicians left their mark on many aspects of life on these Islands.
The dhajsa - water taxi - is said to have evolved from an early Phoenician design, the Maltese Language retains minute traces of those early settlers, and the one important key required to decipher their alphabet - a missing link -- was actually found on Malta. Although glass production in Malta is a relatively recent craft, the industry was present on the islands in Phoenician times.
Entirely mouth blown and hand made, much of the glassware today is a type of original Maltese glass in strong Mediterranean colours. The complicated process begins with multi-coloured beads, which are blown into a shape. Clear glass is then placed around the coloured glass and a shape is designed. This technique produces objects of art with an interesting interplay of colours.
Other modern pieces, such as the Picasso-style vases, bowls, statues, perfume bottles and individual beads, are also much desired glass objects. A visit to one of the glass-making enterprises on the Island will help you watch, from very close, this fascinating traditional craft. Not only can you observe the glass blowers at work, but they can also create customised blown-glass souvenirs engraved with your name and family emblem or your company's logo.
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Phoenician Glass Blowers. Part of the Crafts Village at Ta Qali this is a company that sticks to the ancient methods of glass blowing to creat some absolutley equisite pieces. For more information either call (+356) 2143 7041 or visit their website www.phoenicianglass.com
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