Qatar has a long history of producing handicrafts that are a reflection of its Bedouin way of life and cultural heritage. In addition to being works of art, many crafts have historically had useful uses. Qatari handicrafts include al khous, dhow construction, metalworking, jewelry manufacturing, pottery, and sadu weaving.
POTTERY
Traditional Qatari ceramics are renowned for their practicality and straightforward, earthy forms, used to create decorative objects, storage jars, and cooking pots.
Although local pottery was also produced for domestic use, many of the ceramic pieces found were imported through commercial routes.
Simple, unglazed, and earthy in hues (reds, browns, and beiges) are characteristics of traditional Qatari ceramics. Usually, it is hand-shaped or wheel-thrown before being burnt in kilns. Although some pots contain etched lines or designs, the emphasis was on use rather than decoration.
Traditionally, Qatari ceramics were practical and designed for everyday works like
- Keeping dates or water fresh
- Food preparation
- Serving food or coffee (qahwa)
- cooling water in zir, which are porous clay pots
Since the clay was porous, water was able to gradually evaporate, keeping it cool which acted as a clever strategy for the desert environment.
JEWELRY MAKING
Usually made of gold and silver, they are occasionally embellished with pearls, for which Qatar has long been renowned. Typical patterns are elaborate, including flower motifs and crescent moons among other aspects.
For centuries, pearl diving was a major economic activity in Qatar, and pearls were frequently used to make opulent jewelry. One of the top exporters of pearls in the world used to be Qatar.
Gold jewelry has long been highly valued, and throughout the Islamic era, Qatari jewelry was often considered a symbol of wealth, prestige, and family legacy.
24-carat gold, which is valued for its purity and shine, is the main metal used in traditional Qatari jewelry. Intricate jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are crafted from gold.
Silver has been used to create certain jewelry, usually as accents or in combination with gold.
Pearls are frequently used in jewelry because of Qatar's long-standing pearl industry. Natural pearls, especially those from the Gulf, are quite precious.
In addition to enamel work, expensive stones including diamonds, rubies, and emeralds are frequently used in Qatari jewelry.
The Dallah, or coffee pot, is a classic piece of Qatari jewelry and a representation of hospitality and culture. Designs for pendants and earrings commonly employ it.
In Qatari culture, ladies wore the traditional headdresses, known as tiaras or mashlah, to weddings and other special events. These headdresses frequently had elaborate patterns and were embellished with gold and pearls.
Large, elaborate rings with elaborate patterns and gemstones that were frequently used in traditional ceremonies are known as Khaleeji rings. Another important component of traditional bridal ensembles are gold bracelets.
Today, you can view and purchase Qatari jewelry in
- Doha's main marketplace, Souq Waqif, is where tourists can purchase traditional pearl and gold jewelry.
- Local and foreign craftspeople display traditional crafts, like as jewelry-making, at Katara Cultural Village, a cultural hub.
- High-end stores at the opulent Al Hazm Mall frequently carry designer goods that integrate Qatari influences into modern styles.
SADU WEAVING
Bedouin women use sheep and goat wool to weave textiles in this way. It is used to construct tents, camel accessories, pillows, and rugs. There are geometric motifs on it.
UNESCO has designated Sadu as an intangible cultural heritage item in the Gulf.
Sadu is a traditional hand-weaving method used by Bedouin women, who use natural fibers such as camel, goat, or sheep wool. Usually, one sits on the floor while weaving on a horizontal ground loom.
Bold geometric designs, frequently in red, black, white, and beige hues, are what Sadu is renowned for. Animals, the desert, and the weaver's tribe identification or personal stories are all represented by the symbolic motifs. Since every component is different, no two are precisely the same.
Sadu woven items were essential to Bedouin life for:
Tents made from goat hair to withstand desert weather.
Camel saddlebags, Cushions and floor rugs.
Decorative trims for cloths and household items.
Women would congregate, have conversations, sing, and weave sadu as a community activity. Oral traditions were preserved and social bonds were strengthened as a result of this activity.
METALWORK
Blacksmiths and craftspeople made daggers, swords, and coffee pots (dallah).
In Qatari Majlis tradition, the coffee pots made of brass and silver are recognizable.
Bronze, iron, brass, and silver have long been used in Qatari metalworking to make tools, home goods, and ornaments. The primary categories of metalwork are as follows:
Lanterns and Lamps
Homes were lit with conventional metal lanterns and oil lamps before the invention of electricity. Made of copper or brass, these sculptures frequently had elaborate cutouts that let light filter through in lovely patterns.
Dallah (Coffee Pots)
The dallah is one of the most iconic metal pieces and has come to represent hospitality and giving in Qatari culture.
The dallah, which is traditionally composed of copper or brass, is expertly carved with elaborate motifs.
Considered more opulent, silver dallahs are frequently inherited as family treasures.
Swords and Daggers
For the Bedouin, daggers (khanjar) and swords (khankiri) were necessary weapons, not only for defense but also as status and courage markers.
These iron weapons were frequently inlaid with gold or silver. A dagger's hilt may be encrusted with precious stones or silver filigree.
Horse Tack and Saddles
Metal horse accessories like stirrups, bridles, and bits were meticulously made because horseback riding was a major part of Bedouin culture.
Often adorned with silver and often featuring etched motifs, these items fulfilled the dual functions of both use and beauty.
AL-KHOUS (Palm Frond Weaving)
Date palm leaves are woven into baskets, mats, fans, and food coverings in Al Khous.
This craft was essential before modern packing and storage. The art of weaving palm fronds into useful and ornamental objects is known as al-khous. Following a meticulous harvesting and cleaning process, the palm fronds are divided into thin strips suitable for weaving.
This kind of weaving is done by hand and calls for a high level of talent because it involves manipulating the fibers to make durable, tightly woven pieces.
Items made from palm fronds were essential for everyday life in pre-modern Qatar and some of them are:
Roofing and Tents
The roof of classic Bedouin tents was frequently constructed from braided palm fronds, which offered protection from the scorching sun. The flexibility and sturdiness of palm fronds allowed them to create durable roofing materials for tents.
Fans (Masha’at)
Simple fans, known as Masha’at, were made by weaving palm fronds into flat, circular shapes. These fans were used to create airflow and provide cooling relief during the hot summer months.
Baskets
Dates, grains, and other items were kept in baskets. Food was shielded from insects and the abrasive desert environment by their elaborate, tightly woven fabric. Due to their strength and portability, these baskets were ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.
Mats and Rugs
In tents, mats and rugs were frequently used for seating or as beds, particularly during parties. The palm fronds were woven so that they offered protection from the desert floor's heat as well as comfort.
Food Covers
Woven palm fronds to make food coverings which helped to keep food cool in the desert's heat while shielding it from dust and insects.
Mats for Prayer
Palm fronds were also used to weave prayer mats for Islamic prayer. These mats were often used in Bedouin homes and were straightforward but efficient.
Al-Khous weaving takes a significant amount of time and labor with the procedure followed.
First, the date palm tree's palm fronds must be properly chopped off. Since handling the fronds becomes challenging in the summer heat, they are often harvested during cooler months.
After that, the fronds are cleaned and cut into thin strips. It is common practice to soak these strips in water to soften them and increase their pliability for weaving. The actual weaving is completed with basic methods like over-under weaving, and occasionally the pieces are braided or twisted for added strength. By carefully varying the tension and location of the strands, weavers may shape the products, which frequently have a grid pattern.
The products are allowed to cure and solidify after weaving, which helps them keep their durability and shape. After that, the final goods are prepared for sale or use.
Al-Khous Weaving can be experienced in Qatar at Souq Waqif, Katara Cultural Village, Msheireb Museums.
DHOW BUILDING
Dhows were a necessity during fishing and pearl diving.
Dhow construction is a craft that is handed down through the generations.
A dhow is a traditional sailing vessel with a distinctive design that has huge, single sails (typically triangular or lateen sails) and their pointed, narrow hulls.
Dhows were vital to people's lives in Qatar, especially for those who relied on pearl diving and fishing.
Especially before the invention of oil, Qatar was a major hub for maritime trade due to its location along the Arabian Gulf coast. Because they made pearl diving, fishing, and trade easier, dhows were essential to the economy.
The canvas or linen fabric used to make a dhow's lateen sails is usually stitched by hand. When it comes to the direction and speed of the wind, the dhow's mast and rigging are also quite important.
Other features, such crew quarters, storage spaces, and even ornamental components for visual appeal, are added once the hull and sails are in place.
The elaborate carvings on the sterns of some dhows showcase the shipbuilders' artistic expression and cultural history.
Following construction, the dhow is put into the water for a thorough evaluation of its rigging, buoyancy, and balance. After making any necessary modifications, the boat is ready for sailing or fishing trips.
Dhows can be seen in Qatar at the Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, Doha Corniche, Al Wakrah and Al Khor
