The Asir Tribes
Location: Asir Region, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
The Asir tribes originate from the mountainous Asir region, a fertile and rugged area stretching along the southwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. Bordered by the Red Sea to the west and Yemen to the south, the region is known for its dramatic landscapes, cool highland climate, and rich agricultural traditions.
Tribal communities in Asir have developed distinctive cultural expressions, particularly in architecture, textiles, and adornment. Traditional houses are often built from stone and mud brick, with striking geometric painted decorations—especially in women’s quarters, known as al-qamirah or al-majlis.
Women’s clothing in Asir is colorful and layered, often featuring hand-woven fabrics, vivid embroidery, and bold accessories. Typical garments include fitted tunics and long skirts with embroidered panels. Silver jewelry is commonly worn, including large earrings, coin necklaces, and ornate belts, reflecting both status and local craftsmanship.
Headdresses vary across villages but often incorporate scarves, silver chains, coins, or tassels. Women’s hair may be braided and adorned with beads or flowers, especially on festive occasions.
The Asir tribes have preserved a strong oral tradition of poetry, music, and dance—most notably the Ardah Asiriyyah, a traditional group sword dance performed at celebrations and tribal gatherings.
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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[...]