Riyadh: The Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, ‘Banan,’ offered visitors an interactive journey through the Crafts Arts Village, blending visual and sensory beauty. The village’s sections highlighted the relationship between the elements of place and their impact on human culture, shaping a philosophy of unity in diversity.
According to Saudi Press Agency, engraving is one of Saudi Arabia’s ancient traditional crafts, reflecting the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. It involves etching on materials such as wood, stone, and metal, enhancing local products with intricate designs. Saudi engraving is distinguished by its rich patterns, including geometric shapes and floral motifs. Practiced in areas like AlUla and Najran, artisans ensure the transmission of these skills to new generations, contributing to heritage preservation and cultural tourism.
Carpentry, one of the oldest traditional crafts, showcases the creativity and skill of artisans. It is used to create traditional doors, windo
ws, and furniture, with craftspeople employing simple tools and precise techniques to shape wood into geometric designs inspired by local heritage.
The craft of palm frond weaving exemplifies the close relationship between humans and the environment. Artisans use palm leaves to create a variety of products, relying on traditional techniques that highlight the beauty of the palm tree and their own creativity.
In workshops filled with the scent of metal and fire, blacksmiths begin their day preparing furnaces. Copper pieces are heated until they glow, becoming malleable. Using large hammers, blacksmiths shape the copper and other metals into ornate items, following traditional designs with aesthetic touches like geometric patterns. Once shaped, the copper is polished and coated with oil to protect it, producing items such as tools and pots.
Al-Sadu is one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous traditional crafts. It tells the story of societal elements intertwining through dyed and prepared threads, woven into a unif
ied fabric. This craft transforms scattered threads into rugs and accessories that adorn homes, symbolizing cultural identity and heritage. Al-Sadu represents cooperation and creativity, reflecting a long history of collective work within Saudi communities.
The exhibition features an artistic display of traditional Sadu weaving, transforming wool threads into rugs and fabrics. These threads unravel into colorful strands that gather centrally, forming a vibrant installation. Some threads do not reach the ground, allowing visitors to interact with the artwork by taking photos on a raised platform 30 centimeters high. Additional fabric pieces scatter across the ground, while Sadu weaving tools hang from the ceiling, enhancing the display’s color and diversity.
Leathercraft, another traditional art form, reflects skill and creativity. Interactive artwork at the exhibition allows visitors to play traditional drums, with lighting that responds to their rhythms.
Pottery making begins with collecting and cleaning
clay, which is shaped on a wheel before drying and firing in a kiln. This process produces pottery ready for use.
Embroidery, practiced by Saudi women, reflects their taste and creativity. It embellishes traditional clothing with designs inspired by local heritage.
Gypsum decorations, requiring precise manual skills, are used to adorn buildings. The exhibition showcases intricately carved gypsum columns, demonstrating the diversity of cultural identity.
The exhibit ‘Journey Among the Waves’ narrates the deep historical connection to the sea in coastal regions. Real parts of fishing boats, accompanied by tools and natural music, enhance the immersive experience.
This comprehensive journey through the crafts of Saudi Arabia provided visitors with the opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s rich heritage and engage with traditional arts in innovative ways.
