Cultural Heritage: Saudi Arabian Carpets

Module 3

• Module 3 focuses on cultural and artistic heritage of various regions.

Motivation

• Albert Einstein's quote: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them."

Saudi Arabia - Heritage of Arabian Carpets

• Arabian carpets hold significant cultural and artistic value within the Arab world.
• Traditionally handcrafted, representing centuries of skill and creativity.
• Carpets reflect cultural expression and regional identity.
• Beyond being household items, they are symbols of traditions.

Materials and Resources for Carpets

• Materials vary, showcasing local resources' diversity.
• Wool is the primary material, valued for durability and warmth,
• Cotton and flax from regions like Egypt are also common.
• Camel and goat hair are used in specific regions for unique properties
• Occasionally silk is integrated for luxurious pieces enhancing intricate patterns and vibrant colours

Craftsmanship and Techniques

• Creating Arabian carpets is a meticulous process requiring exceptional skills and patience.
• Carpets are often hand-woven, taking months or years to complete
• Techniques are passed down through generations, preserving the ancient craft.
• Intricate designs and precise craftsmanship show the weavers' dedication and artistry.

Iconic Designs and Motifs

• Arabian carpets feature complex geometric patterns and symbolic motifs.
• Interlocking shapes and Arabic calligraphy are common design features that sometimes are influenced by Persian art.
• Designs carry symbolic meanings, representing protection, prosperity, and cultural heritage
• Each design tells a story unique to its creator and region.

Cultural Significance and Functionality

• Carpets serve both functional and cultural purposes.
• Used as floor coverings and wall decorations, also essential in daily rituals (like prayer).
• Symbols of wealth, status, and cultural pride;
• Often gifted during special occasions, embodying traditions and values of producing communities.

Regional and Artistic Diversity

• Arabian carpets showcase the rich cultural diversity of the Arab world.
• Unique styles and patterns are contributed by regions such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Levant.
• Region's historical role as a hub for trade and cultural exchange significantly influences the variety and vibrant designs.

Sustaining the Tradition in Modern Times

• As the world becomes more industrialized, the art of Arabian carpet weaving faces challenges in maintaining traditional methods.
• Efforts to sustain the craft are supported by growing appreciation for handcrafted, culturally significant textiles
• Local artisans, cultural organizations, and international markets play key roles in supporting the heritage of Arabian carpets.
• Contemporary weavers are integrating modern design elements while adhering to traditional techniques ensuring Arabian carpets remain relevant and honour its rich history.

Turkish Marbling (Ebru)

• A fascinating art form creating colorful swirling patterns on water.
• Patterns are then transferred to paper or other materials.
• It's a unique process combining artistry with deep understanding of materials and techniques.

History of Ebru (Turkish Marbling)

• Ebru's origins are debated. Some trace it back to 13th-century Turkistan, but it flourished within the Ottoman Empire in present-day Turkey.
• Turkish artisans perfected techniques and developed unique styles, establishing Turkey as the central hub for marbling for centuries.

The Marbling Process - Preparation

• The process involves preparing a 'size', a thickened water bath, typically using tragacanth gum to achieve specific viscosity for pigment spreading.
• Natural earth pigments and ox gall (cattle bile) are used as paints helping colors spread and preventing them from sinking
• This is crucial for spreading pigments properly.

The Marbling Process - Applying the Paints

• The artist uses special horsehair brushes to create patterns on the 'size'.
• Carefully controlling the movement of the brushes allows creation of a wide range of designs, from simple swirls to complex floral ones..

The Marbling Process - Transferring the Design

• After creating the pattern on the water's surface, a sheet of paper is carefully laid onto the sized water.
• The pigments adhere to the paper transferring the designs.
• Lifting the paper reveals the marbled pattern, capturing the ephemeral nature of designs created on water.

Traditional Ebru Motifs

• Traditional Ebru motifs include floral patterns (tulips, carnations, hyacinths), geometric designs, and abstract designs.
• "Battal" (combed pattern) is among the oldest techniques.
• "Gelgit" (back and forth) and "Tarakli" (combed) styles create distinctive visual effects.

Cultural Significance of Ebru

• Ebru has long been used to decorate book covers, documents and calligraphy.
• It also serves as a form of security printing due to its unique, unreproducible patterns.
• Recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Syria - Raqqa Ware

• Raqqa ware, originating from Raqqa in Syria, is a distinct style of lusterware pottery.
• Flourished during the medieval Islamic period, playing an important role in the city’s economy.
• Provides significant insights into the artistic and cultural landscape of that time.

Raqqa Ware - Materials and Techniques

• Characterized by its unique combination of materials and decorative techniques.
• Features a white or pale-colored earthenware body coated with a siliceous glaze, resulting in a smooth and glassy surface.
• The use of luster (metallic sheen achieved through specialized firing processes) is a distinctive decorative element.
• Cobalt blue and black underglaze paintings enhance visual appeal and add intricate designs.

Raqqa Ware - Artistic Inspiration

• Decorative motifs reflect artistic influences prevalent during the period.
• Geometric patterns, interlacing designs, and arabesques are common.
• Floral motifs and stylized flowers and foliage frequently appear.
• Calligraphic inscriptions with verses from the Quran or poetic texts can be found highlighting the significance of calligraphy.

Raqqa Ware - Form and Function

• Primarily designed for practical use in households. Common forms include jars, dishes, plates and bowls.
• Prioritize utility over elaborate ornamentation.
• Wide-spread production highlights the importance of pottery in daily lives of Raqqa’s inhabitants fulfilling both practical and artistic needs.

Lebanon - Tripoli's Soapy Heritage

• Tripoli boasts a rich history of soap production making it one of the few remaining production centres in the eastern Mediterranean historically known for soap making.
• Soap is intrinsically linked with city's identity.
• Historical khans (large public buildings used for trade and lodging) served as marketplaces and trading hubs where Tripoli's famed soap, primarily crafted from olive trees, was a commodity. This historical connection highlights the deep roots and importance of soap making within Tripoli.

Traditional Tripoli's Soapy Methods

• Tripoli's traditional soap is known as "baladi."
• The production method uses olive oil (or olive pulp), caustic soda, and salt, combined in a vat and then heated. This method is passed down through generations preserving the authenticity and cultural significance of Tripoli's soap. There are two varieties, "baladi" – local green and white, each with unique production methods and materials. The techniques and process of preparing baladi soap are simple, requiring readily available ingredients and relying on traditional methods.