Al-Qirbah (Waterskin)

Al-Qirbah (Waterskin) is one of the vessels traditionally used for cooling water. It is a leather piece or vessel made from goat skin, which is tanned, cleaned, and then stitched. Afterward, water is placed inside, and al-Qirbah is left in a location where air currents can reach it, helping to maintain its coolness.

Al-Qirbah is well-known in Saudi culture, as many people used it in their houses and during their travels. They paid great attention to it due to its significant benefit in cooling water, especially during the summer and the intense heat. In the past, al-Qirbah served the role of modern refrigerators and coolers; no house was without it.

Al-Qirbah is still used in some Saudi villages as a way to obtain a refreshing sip of water. Among the customs of previous generations was placing watermelons, cantaloupes, ‏fruits‏, and covered milk containers under al-Qirbah, covering them with Khaysh (burlap) that absorbed the cold water droplets seeping from al-Qirbah, helping to cool them.

Until recently, people used al-Qirbah when embarking on desert trips lasting several days. They would carry it with them while traveling and hang it outside large vehicles that transported passengers at that time. Al-Qirbah was thus a part of the travelers' load and served as the household refrigerator, keeping the water cool.