The Jahdaly Tribe
Location: Al-Lith Region, Hijaz, Western Saudi Arabia
The Jahdaly tribe resides in the wadi systems that descend from the Hijaz mountains toward the Red Sea coastal plain, between the holy city of Makkah and the town of al-Lith. These seasonal waterways, though seldom reaching the sea, create fertile strips ideal for lowland farming and pastoral life.
This coastal zone—known as the Tihāmah—extends along much of the Red Sea. It is characterized by sweltering heat, sandy lowlands, and a gradual transition into the rocky foothills of the Hijaz mountains.
Jahdaly women’s clothing reflects both resourcefulness and regional identity. Their garments are crafted from locally dyed red and brown muslin, typically imported but adapted through indigenous techniques. Intricate geometric patterns made from metal beads are hand-stitched onto contrasting bands of appliqué, creating richly textured designs.
Unusually among Arabian tribes, Jahdaly women wear two-piece outfits comprising a skirt and blouse—a distinct sartorial tradition. The skirts are often lined with repurposed flour sacks, a practical reuse of available materials.
Headdresses vary in form but are similarly embellished with metal beads, adding further individuality and flair to each ensemble.
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Jahdaly thobe
The Jahdaly tribe Description of costume: Jahdaly thobe with a back panel featured worn with an agate bead belt. The seams of the sleeves are left open and only attach with a button at the end. The head is covered with a hat like cover the qarqoosh.The Jahdaly tribe inhabits an area of wadis draining down to the coastal plain between[...]
Jahdaly drawstring skirt and blouse
The Jahdaly tribe Description of Costume: Jahdaly drawstring skirt and blouse both decorated with metal beads. The edge of the rectangular headers is embroidered with metal beads and has a cotton fringe. Location: Lith, Hijaz, Western Region The Jahdaly tribe inhabits an area of wadis draining down to the coastal plain between the holy city of Makkah and al-Lith on[...]
Jahdaly costume appliquéd
The Jahdaly tribe Costume Description of Costume: Jahdaly costume appliquéd with fine bands of contrasting coloured fabric and embroidered with small metal beads. The headdress ridayah is made of fabric, and the long tassels are a combination of metal beads with a thread fringe. Location: Lith, Hijaz, Western Region The Jahdaly tribe inhabits an area of wadis draining down to[...]