Province
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Al-Qassim Handicrafts
| The painted doors of Al-Qassim can be found all over the country, prized, as they are, for their distinctive Nadji style and beauty. Local artisans also make a variety of products from date palms and leather products |
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Al-Qassim artists are well represented at the annual Janadriah Festival in Riyadh, and there are regular local outlets for the their handicrafts within Al-Qassim.
The traditional Nadji style painted doors, for which Al-Qassim is famous, are colorful, distinctive and made from tamarisk wood. The manufacturer cuts the materials to specific lengths, gathers them into doors and windows, and decorates them with multicolored drawings and inscriptions.
The demand for these doors is on the rise throughout the Kingdom, with people using them in popular tourist villages, restaurants, rest houses and family majlis. They are used as authentic details in restorations, theme buildings, private museums and exhibitions of national heritage and culture. Smaller pieces of wood are turned into colorful bowls, plates and cups.
With the world's largest date farm in the province, local artisans have learnt to make excellent use of the entire date palm tree, and cut the fronds to decorate the facades of offices, sitting halls, rest houses and some family houses. They can be plaited together to create fences to hold back drifting sand. The more delicate leaves are plaited into woven baskets, tablecloths, winnows, brooms, hats and fans. The stiff central spine of the fronds are transformed into crates for transporting dates, figs and all types of fruits, while the talented craftsmen can create intricate bird cages, chairs and even beds.
Leather products, locally known as Al Khiraza, are manufactured by craftsmen in various places including popular markets and homes. Among these products are shoes, buckets, water skins, bags, sheaths and all types of belts.
Traditional horse and camel products, produced locally by talented artisans, include saddlebags, bridles, nosebags and even luggage.
Al-Qassim's distinctive painted sandals are popular through the kingdom, and whilst comfortable and pleasant to wear, the beauty of their design makes them appealing as a decoration.
Cotton is woven into children's wear, bags, and headdresses for children, men, women and domestic workers.
Craftsmen in Buraydah manufacture winter, summer and spring cloaks.
At Al Mithnab Old Town, the souq and neighbouring buildings, such as the mosque, Qas'r Bahlal, have recently been restored by the municipality for use as a traditional market. Visitors can gain access to these properties and get a better understanding of what life was like in the early to middle 13th century H (20th century G).
A new handicraft shopping market is being constructed by the government near to the traditional souq in Buraydah, which will provide a well located and large sales outlet for handicrafts.
Al-Qassim has a tradition of producing handicrafts. Training and production are being carried out by the King Abdul Aziz Charity Association of Unayzah and Buraydah (Ladies Branch), where women are trained in making palm fiber items and weaving of various kinds of textiles.
Ibn Saleh center for Handicrafts is active in training people in traditional skills.
Princess Noura Women's Society came together in 1417H (1997) with a focus on traditional women's handicrafts such as weaving and knitting. The center combines a heritage conservation function with the creation of employment opportunities. Products include baskets, fans and food covers made from palm fronds. Pillows, saddlebags, wall hangings and rugs are crafted from wool. Women work on a piecework system from home and goods are sold through stands at festivals and exhibitions including Janadriyah, and through a retail outlet attached to the center |
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