The Mansoojat Foundation Collection

The Mansoojat Foundation is a UK-registered charity established by a group of Saudi Arabian women who share a deep interest in the traditional costumes and heritage of Saudi Arabia. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and revive the traditional costumes, textiles, and embroidery of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; to promote and conduct academic research on the history and culture of the region; and to raise public awareness of this unique heritage.

The Mansoojat Foundation has amassed a collection of approximately 1,400 costume items, many of which have required extensive restoration. This collection showcases the rich diversity of traditional costumes, reflecting their social, geographical, and cultural contexts.

Documenting and classifying these costumes has involved years of meticulous research, field trips, and consultations with both academics and local experts. Given the vast regional diversity within Saudi Arabia, the foundation chose to collaborate with specialists from each region, leveraging their deep understanding of local history, culture, and traditions.

The costumes in the Mansoojat collection are organized by both tribal affiliation and geographical location, highlighting the unique cultural tapestry of Saudi Arabia. The geographical coverage of the collection varies, with some regions being more richly represented than others, based on the availability of costumes from donations and field trips.

The Mansoojat Foundation aims to provide an important introduction to the traditional costumes and heritage of Saudi Arabia, inspiring continued preservation and research efforts in this field.

Recent Collection Articles

Explore & discover the splendour of our collection

Hijaz white burqu

November 19th, 2024|Tags: , |

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[...]

Hijaz milayah wrap

November 19th, 2024|Tags: , |

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[...]

Hijaz ensemble

November 19th, 2024|Tags: , |

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[...]