Mansoojat Foundation

Museum of Saudi Arabian Costume online

Asir, Southern Region

Asir, like the highlands of southern Hijaz, is traditionally a region of settled tribespeople. Peaks rise to 3,000 metres, and terraced farming is fed by both winter and summer rains. Buildings are tall, of both stone and mud.

In Asir sarongs are worn beneath dresses, to conceal and protect their pantaloons while the women work in the fields. Straw hats are still worn.

Both men and women wear flowers in their hair. Women braid basil into their tresses beneath yellow scarves. Men sport wreaths of flowers and aromatic herbs.

Click to see dressing of Asir bride

Asir velvet thobe with front embroidered panels which recall the motifs of the hand painted decorations on the interiors of the traditional Asir homes.

Geography, Architecture and Natural History

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