The re-invention of traditional weaving in Saudi Arabia

183 Pages·2011·3.74 MB·English

The re-invention of traditional weaving
in Saudi Arabia
Salaghor, L.M.N.
Submitted version deposited in CURVE February 2011

Original citation:
Salaghor, L.M.N. (2007) The re-invention of traditional weaving in Saudi Arabia. Unpublished
Thesis. Coventry: Coventry University.

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The Re-Invention of Traditional
Weaving in Saudi Arabia

By
Laila Mohammed Nour Salaghor

A thesis submitted in full-time fulfilment
of the University’s requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy

May 2007

Coventry University
Coventry School of Art & Design
Supervised by
Director of study: Prof. Jill Journeaux
Supervisors: Dr. Imogen Racz
Prof. Karen Ross
Ms. Imogen Aust
APPENDIX G: PLATES
APPENDIX B: PLATES
APPENDIX A: PLATES
CHAPTER ONE: PLATE
CHAPTER TWO: PLATES
CHAPTER THREE: PLATES
Laila Mohammed N. Salaghor

The Re-Invention of Traditional Weaving in Saudi Arabia
(Under the direction of Jill Journeaux, Imogen Racz, Karen Ross, and Imogen Aust)

Abstract
This research seeks to create new woven artefacts by integrating elements of traditional
weaving from western Saudi Arabia and different kinds of materials for the warp, thus
offering a new dimension to the field of hand weaving in Saudi society, and
contributing to its development.

For the researcher’s MA study, she was interested in western modern weaving and
textiles in terms of its new weave techniques, methods, forms, design and function. But,
with the commencement of her PhD study, she thought more about Saudi traditional
weaving as a key reference. Her interest developed when she worked as a weaver and
teacher of the art. Through work experience, the researcher has observed that the field
of hand weaving in Saudi Arabia, particularly the traditional Bedouin approach, is rich
in aesthetic values and techniques, but is not widespread. Some effort is required to find
ways to develop this kind of weaving and to introduce the new forms, appearance and
techniques to Saudi Arabian society. At the same time, this might be considered an
invitation to Saudi weavers to join the researcher in reclaiming our past to suit the needs
of the present time.

The terms ‘rug’ and ‘carpet’ can not be used to describe Bedouin woven artefacts,
because traditionally, Bedouin women weavers wove different items for their own needs
and others for sale. These included tents of hair and other domestic accessories, such as
bean bags, coffeepot holders, cushions, blankets and so on. This kind of weaving
employed materials obtained from the local context, such as animal fibres, natural dyes,
simple wooden tools for carding and spinning threads and a wooden or metal ground
loom for weaving. These woven artefacts were decorated with geometrical patterns and
colourful yarns.

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