Collection Articles
Articles on our collection of traditional costumes from Saudi Arabia
Hijaz white burqu
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz white burqu (face mask) of fine gauze which is heavily starched. It is embroidered along the front and comes with different floral motifs and in varying lengths. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot[...]
Hijaz milayah wrap
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz milayah large rectangular wrap worn to go out. It is made of two panels with decorative bands and tassels along the edge. The silk fabric was either imported from India or Indonesia. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It[...]
Hijaz ensemble
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz ensemble with the inner fitted zaboon embroidered in a floral design with gold thread and small sequins. The outer thobe is made of a sheer linen-like fabric. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot[...]
Hijaz boys’ fine silk velvet coat
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' fine silk velvet coat embroidered with sequins and gold thread. This type of garment was worn for traditional festivities. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a[...]
Hijaz boys’ two piece embroidered velvet suit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' two piece embroidered velvet suit dating to c.1930. This style was restricted for the use of young boys. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few[...]
Hijaz outfit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz outfit comprising the inner silk zaboon under the fine organza thobe. Casual day outfits were made in the same way except that the fabric was plain or printed cotton. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most[...]
Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk
Najd and Central Region Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk embroidered with sequins and gold thread. The sleeves are voluminous and are brought around to cover the head. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation[...]
Qassim thick wool woman’s aba
Qassim, Northern Region Qassim thick wool woman's aba (cloak) embroidered with gold thread and having elaborate gold thread tassels. This type of aba is for the bride to wear on her wedding night. The mountains of Jabal Shammar shield northern Najd from the sands of the Great Nafud desert. Grazing is good and the area was famed for its Arabian[...]
Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region little girl’s outfit
Najd and Central Region Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region little girl's outfit in pure silk. These thobes were specially commissioned and imported from India. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is valued and frequently spans the nomad–settler divide.[...]
Najd and Central Region thobe in chiffon
Najd and Central Region Najd and Central Region thobe in chiffon embroidered with sequins and gold thread. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is valued and frequently spans the nomad–settler divide. From its capital at al-Dir‘iyyah near Riyadh, the[...]
Najd and Central Region thobe of fine tulle
Najd and Central Region Najd and Central Region thobe made of fine tulle with two silk side panels and multicoloured sequined sleeve borders. The yoke is embroidered with gold and silver threads. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is[...]
Wadi Dawasir silk thobe
Wadi Dawasir, Central Region Wadi Dawasir thobe of silk with very fine embroidery along the front and the two sleeves. These embroidery motifs are repeated on thobes from all over the Central Region and are applied to day and evening garments. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated[...]
Asir velvet thobe
Asir, Southern Region Asir velvet thobe with front embroidered panels which recall the motifs of the hand painted decorations on the interiors of the traditional Asir homes. 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,[...]
Asir floral printed thobe
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[...]
Al Baha man’s bidi aba
Al Baha, Southern Region The highland plateau atop the mountain escarpment is green and fertile. It is a land of terraced farms, juniper forests and rural buildings of both stone and mud. In these southern regions the tailoring was done by men. Al Baha man's bidi aba (cloak) made of white goat's wool and embroidered along the front and on[...]
