Arts & crafts

Al khous is an ancient weaving technique using palm fronds. Entirely dependent on palm leaves secured from different areas around the Gulf, today the industry has almost ceased to exist in Qatar. Al khous was used to make baskets, mats and other products that were used in traditional Qatari households.

Traditional hand-spinning and weaving, Al Sadu is still practiced in Qatar. Traditionally a female activity, Al Sadu is closely associated with the availability of raw materials such as sheep wool, camel and goat hair and cotton. The tools used in the spinning and knitting process are called meghzal, el nul and elmanshaza. Fabric woven using Al Sadu techniques features vibrant geometric patterns and often uses colours such as red, black and white.

A decorative technique practised across the Gulf, gypsum is carved with abstract patterns, based on architectural and natural motifs. Produced locally, gypsum was used because of its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.  Carved gypsum is used for decoration in palaces, mosque facades and affluent houses in Qatar. Window and door frames were also decorated with gypsum ornamentation, as well as rawashin (shelves), made within the width of walls and used to display valuable objects. Some smaller objects such as incense burners were also traditionally crafted from gypsum.

Jewellery production is one of Qatar’s oldest handicrafts, and there are several practicing and well-known Qatari designers. These designers create diverse jewellery items including traditional products such as anklets, rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and hair ornaments.

A traditional industry in Qatar, pottery was necessary for food preservation, water storage, cooking, and had many different household uses.

Porcelain or pottery products are distinguished by the diversity of their shape and the beauty of painting and engraving, and are appreciated now for their artistry as much as their use. Examples include juhla, a vessel used for food storage, buq or qursha, used for cooling water and burma, a cooking pot.

Traditional music instruments include tambourines, cymbals and large drums known as al-Mirwass, as well as string instruments such as oud and rababa.  The Ardha dance is the most popular traditional dance in Qatar, with men and boys carrying canes or decorative swords facing each other in two rows.  The dance was performed by warriors before battle, and remains part of Qatar’s culture, enacted during Qatar National Day, at banquets and celebrations and other special events.