Province
|
Jebel Garah Ceraics
| Jebel Garah is also home to a 15,000-year history of ceramics and pottery which have historically benefited from the cool environment and light breezes which provide the caves with natural air conditioning |
 |
Also known as Ash Shab'an Mountain - which means 'The Satiated', this area is surrounded by rivers and palms. The mountain hosts large, high caves which maintain a constant temperature so they are cool in summer and warm in winter. 13km east of Al-Hofuf, Jebel Garah is named after a large, well-known eastern village.
Ceramics are made from light limestone clay which is native to the area. Once they are moulded on potter's wheels, or by hand, they are left in the sun to dry. Next they are placed in the large outdoor kilns which are stone-lined pits with fireboxes below to burn the palm fronds. Placed in the pits in circular rows, the clay pots are given a covering of broken pottery just before the fires are lighted.
The results are handsome and durable water jugs that more than likely will find their way into a home in the village of al-Qarah, where it will be used to hold water. The porous clay allows a small amount of seepage which evaporates, keeping the water inside cool even in the hot summers. The al-Qarah potters make enough water jugs, bowls and vases to supply the village needs. In Hofuf other potters are busy supplying that city's needs, and in Qatif still other potters are at work. Wherever ceramics are needed, there are men like Tahir ibn Ali.
Qaisariya Souq has historically been one of the most lively market places in KSA, where artisans can trade their handcrafted wares. It was also one of the last covered souqs in the Kingdom - until it burned down in 2001. The market has been rebuilt (although not restored) and it has resumed trading in local handicrafts. You'll certainly find local pottery, as well as rugs, and jewelry.
It's also one of the last places in the Kingdom to sell local, hand-made Arabian coffee pots.
If you're interested in handicrafts, past the train station traveling west you'll come to the camel markets - a lively working market place which is usually well underway by 6am and, like most markets, the action is usually over by 10. The main purpose of the market is trade in Camels, but you can also buy sheep and goats. It's a large market place, with plenty of stalls selling saddlery, including halters, bridles and blankets |
|
|
