4.3
Qatari Handicrafts:
Here TBO Academy brings to the fore the rich tradition of arts and crafts of Qatar which are considered a significant part of their nation’s cultural identity.
Al Sadu Weaving: means woven down in a horizontal style, is the ancient tribal weaving craft that artistically portrays Arabian Bedouin’s cultural heritage. The ‘Al Sadu’ are traditionally woven textiles spun and knitted by Bedouin women on ground loom. The weavers make use mostly of natural fibres found in their natural environment like camel and goat hair and sheep wool. Weaving patterns feature geometric designs and motifs in bright colours such as red, orange, beige, brown, black and white. ‘Al Sadu’ objects like carpets, blankets, cushions and wall hangings make for attractive traditional souvenirs can be found in traditional bazaars like ‘Souq Waqif’.
Al Khous: is an ancient weaving technique practised in Qatar using palm fronds. The objects produced like baskets of various shapes and sizes, mats, bags, hand fans, table mats, brooms, food containers and date covers were used in Qatari households and today make for good souvenirs for visitors to buy or gift.
Embroidery: is one of Qatar’s traditional craft practised over centuries. When there were no tailors in times past women used to sew garments for themselves and male members of the family using embroidery techniques like ‘An-Naqdah – women’s garments like ‘Jubbah, shawls and head scarves were embroidered with silver and gold threads’,’ Kurar – women braided the threads on articles of men’s clothing such as ‘thobes’ and cloaks and ‘Gohfiahs – embroidery used in designing of caps with designs of birds and flowers.
Arabic Calligraphy: is a venerated art form across the world. This graceful form of writing gained popularity with the rise of Islam as scholars transcribing the Holy Quran adorned the text without using figurative art. The art form has grown and today it can be seen on carpets, tiles, paper, wall hangings and carved inscriptions. Some outstanding examples of calligraphy can be viewed in the Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar Foundation also runs Arabic calligraphy teaching programmes as well.
Pottery: has been an integral part of Arab tradition and culture and an important part of Qatari households used for food preservation, water storage, cooking and these days as showpieces in houses as well. Beautifully produced Qatari artisan pottery in the form of colourful water pots, utensils and chandeliers are available in souqs like ‘Waqif and Wakrah’ to buy.