Traditional Crafts of Saudi Arabia: Weaving, Jewelry, Costume, Leatherwork, Basketry, Woodwork, Pottery, Metalwork

by John Topham

Book Overview

This is a new issue of an acknowledged classic in the field of Saudi Arabian desert crafts. With new photographs and updated text, it has already become the standard work for a new generation of Arabian enthusiasts. Covering the costumes, equipment, and artefacts of the Bedouin of Saudi Arabia, it examines the work of jewellery makers, leather workers, basket weavers, carpenters and metal workers, with stunning colour photographs to illustrate each...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 090574330X
• ISBN13: 9780905743301
• Release Date: June 1982
• Publisher: Stacey International Publishers
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 2.55 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Traditional Crafts of Saudi Arabia

I found this book helpful as an expat living in Saudi Arabia. The emphasis was heavily focused on textiles, which was very informative. The other crafts were also interesting and I would have enjoyed more information regarding those items. Overall, a very good reference book and learning tool on this little known country.

A look at a lifestyle

This is a lovely volume of native crafts that would be well appreciated by the individual interested in the arts and crafts of a nomadic people. Some of the textiles displayed are worthy of a museum as are some of the pieces of equipment used to make them. There are old photos even showing how some of the cultural equipment was actually used. Much of the material presented was collected in the suqs (market places) in Taif, Riyadh, and Jiddah, places to which I had been myself and where I had also collected some craft objects which I display in my own home. As growing numbers of the world's community begin to acquire and prefer the more "perfect," cheaper, mass produced commodoties of our age of technology, the knowledge of these crafts will undoubtedly dwindle. Hopefully those with an appreciation of the knowledge and artistic ability of the old crafsman will preserve with loving care some of the few pieces that remain. I know some large silver bedouin beads I purchased in the women's suq in Riyadh have a pride of place in my home; I use them as Christmas tree ornaments every year and treasure them!