Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
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Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries, SPA said on Thursday.
This delicate art form, predominantly practiced by women, has become a primary means of creating aesthetically pleasing effects and unique textures on fabric surfaces through the use of decorative stitches, diverse threads, and a heritage passed down from one generation to the next.
Within this region, young girls eagerly learn the art of embroidery from older women, perpetuating a tradition that has become an indispensable part of the women's world. Whether embroidering essential household items, displaying their creations for sale, or offering them as cherished gifts, these skilled artisans bring life and beauty to their handcrafted pieces.
Um Hussein Al-Tarfawi, a seasoned practitioner of this craft for over five decades, attests to its ancient roots and the once-prevalent presence of embroidery in every household. Even in modern times, this timeless art continues to captivate numerous women.
For Um Hussein, devoting her free time to honing her embroidery skills is a testament to her dedication to preserving the rich heritage and protecting this exquisite folk art. She proudly imparts her knowledge to her daughters, recognizing that embroidery embodies the essence of Saudi identity, heritage, and history.
Fatima Khalid, another talented embroiderer, discovered her passion for this art form at a tender age. What began as a hobby soon transformed into a profession and a reliable source of income, thanks to the overwhelming demand for her meticulously crafted products.
Combining traditional embroidery techniques with contemporary approaches, Fatima skillfully wields needles and thread to create a harmonious fusion that appeals to the tastes of modern consumers. She emphasizes the growing trend among mothers who eagerly seek out traditional clothing adorned with intricate embroidery patterns, extending their appreciation to encompass various types of women's apparel and accessories.
In Turaif governorate, embroidery stands as a testament to the enduring allure of ancient crafts, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of women who continue to breathe life into this cherished art form. As these skilled artisans pass down their expertise while simultaneously adapting to contemporary influences, embroidery remains an enduring symbol of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage.



Greek Potter Keeps Ancient Ways Alive, Wins UNESCO Recognition

A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
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Greek Potter Keeps Ancient Ways Alive, Wins UNESCO Recognition

A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)
A drone view of ready handmade pieces in Kouvdis’ family pottery workshop in Agios Stefanos village, near Mandamados on the Greek island of Lesbos, Greece, September 23, 2024. (Reuters)

In his seaside workshop on the Greek island of Lesbos, Nikos Kouvdis uses ancient techniques to create pottery pieces that have recently been honored with inclusion in UNESCO's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kouvdis, 70, and his family have kept an old technique alive near the once humming pottery hub of Mandamados, just as the slow and careful methods of the past have been largely eclipsed by factory machines.

Their pottery is among the last in the Mediterranean to be produced from clay in local soil, using a traditional kiln with olive pits as fuel, with the pieces painted with natural lime.

"It's an honor for me," Kouvdis said with regard to the UNESCO recognition of his work.

He said a mechanized press can work at 10 times the speed of an individual potter. "There’s no continuity. There’s no space for (our) method to continue."

Still, he continues to produce individual pots on an outcrop of land overlooking the Aegean Sea.

"Above all, it’s a passion - trying to create something that fulfils you," he said.