Palm Frond Weaving in Saudi Arabia

Palm Frond Weaving in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest handicrafts and traditional industries, relying on palm trees as its primary raw material, specifically the fronds. High-quality palm fronds are sourced from male date palms.

The craft is widely practiced among the residents of regions and cities in Saudi Arabia known for date palm cultivation, such as Aseer, Qassim, Najran, Al-Ahsa, and Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. The art of Khawassah or Saf al-Khous requires advanced levels of expertise, skill, and patience. The majority of those engaged in this profession are women.

Other names for palm frond weaving

The variation in local dialects across regions has led to multiple names for palm frond weaving in Saudi Arabia. In the western region, it is called A’mal Al-Sa’f or Al-Khasaf. In Qassim, those practicing it are known as Ahl Al-Sifeef, while in Al-Ahsa and Qatif, they are referred to as Al-Khousiyyah. In Aseer and Al-Bahah, they are called Al-Wadain, and in Najran, they are known as Al-Huwak.

Palm frond products in Saudi Arabia

In the past, palm frond products were commonly used in daily life. For example, Al-Zanabil were utilized on farms and during well digging to lift sand from inside the well. They were also used as Sufrah for placing food, as floor coverings in mosques before carpets were introduced, and for making infant beds, baskets, cages, and certain types of ropes. Today, palm frond weaving is valued as a cultural heritage craft, with its products mainly used as decorative items. Some pieces feature intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Palm frond weaving process

Tools used in palm frond weaving

Several tools are used in palm frond weaving, including:

Al-Masallah: Used for stitching the woven fronds and in the process of Al-Khasaf (weaving). It is a long, thick needle, locally made from iron, and ranges in length from six to ten cm. Weavers may also use spines from male date palms or short sticks from the grewia tenax trees as substitutes for needles. Al-Masallah is also known by other names, such as Al-Mikhyat, Al-Mid, and Al-Mubir.

Al-Miqass (Scissors): Used to trim and shape the pointed edges of palm fronds. They must be large, though a heavy cleaver may be used as a substitute.

Al-Mikhraz: A tool similar to Al-Masallah, with a wooden handle, used as an alternative to the needle.

Raw material preparation

The artisan carefully strips the fronds from the palm leaves by hand, a process known as Al-Saht, Al-Kharrat, Al-Qatm, or Al-Qashi. The stripped fronds are then spread out on the ground under sunlight and left to dry for two days. Next comes the sorting and splitting stage, referred to as Al-Tashghir, Al-Taqshim, or Al-Taqshir. During this process, the fronds are gathered, and the base that attaches them to the palm branches is removed. The thick part connecting the two halves of each frond is also trimmed, splitting them into two separate pieces. Finally, the fronds are bundled into Shalawi (bundles) and stored in warehouses for preservation.

During the process, the palm fronds are soaked in water for about one to two hours and wrapped in a damp cloth to maintain their softness, making them easier to weave. When joining the woven strips, craftsmen use a piece of iron, a mortar handle, or a hand-sized stone to press down on the stitching area, ensuring an even seam.

Palm frond dyeing

When a craftsman intends to dye palm fronds for decorative purposes, they select the finest and whitest fronds. The natural variations in color between the white fronds of the core and the greenish-white fronds of the outer layer are also utilized.

The dyeing process begins by boiling water in a large pot, to which cold glue is added, followed by the desired dye colors. Common colors include green, purple, yellow, red, and blue. The dyes are traditionally prepared by herbalists using natural pigments such as fuful dye, cochineal, indigo, and madder.

After soaking the fronds in the dyed water, they are stirred two to three times, then removed and dried under the sun.

Chants accompanying palm frond weaving

In Al-Hawiyah in Najran Province, it was common for craftsmen to chant traditional verses while practicing palm frond weaving. At the beginning of their work, they would say: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, O Allah, grant us strength and benefit us." People of the region viewed frond weavers (Al-Huwak) as part of the wealthy class, often reciting: "Oh, how fortunate are the weavers when the loom is lit... butter in the jar and wheat in the corner." This expressed the belief that frond weavers lived a life of abundance, with access to butter and wheat, signifying prosperity.

Palm frond product prices in the past

In the past, craftsmen sold a single Zanbil (woven basket) for three French riyals, while a Hafran (another type of woven container) was priced at two French riyals. The income from palm frond weaving was insufficient to cover living expenses, so artisans often took up additional jobs to supplement their earnings. Bartering was also a common method of acquiring palm fronds. Craftsmen would trade one Hafr in exchange for twenty palm fronds from date palm owners. If bartering was refused, they would pay one riyal for every twenty fronds. The craftsmen transported the fronds themselves or used donkeys to carry them home.

Training programs in palm frond weaving

Saudi charitable and developmental associations organize training courses and programs in palm frond weaving, targeting women. In 2022, the Tamkeen Leadership Association for Training and Workforce Qualification in Rafha Governorate launched the Apprenticeship Program in Traditional Crafts, specifically focusing on modernized palm frond weaving, for a duration of four weeks. The program aims to transfer theoretical knowledge and practical expertise by allowing participants to learn directly from master artisans. This ensures the authentic transmission of craftsmanship to beneficiaries and contributes to preserving heritage and reviving traditional arts.

Palm frond weaving in festivals

Palm frond weaving is prominently featured in national and regional festivals across various parts of Saudi Arabia. Female artisans participate in these events, showcasing their skills, demonstrating the tools used, and explaining the production stages. They also showcase various palm frond products, including Sufrah(woven food mats) in different sizes, baskets, hand fans, umbrellas, and sun hats used during harvest and planting seasons. Additionally, they display Al-Zanabil (woven bags), Makharef Al-Ritb (date carriers), Haser (woven mats), Mahader, Qaffaf, Manasef (traditional serving trays and containers), household utensils, floor coverings, and prayer mats with geometric patterns. Other exhibited items include infant beds, cages, certain types of ropes, cushions, brooms, Haser, as well as Qirtalah (a container for food and hot water), Mizat, Salat Al-Hamalat (carrying baskets), and Kibirk (large carriers).

Recently, young Saudi men and women have incorporated global fashion trends into palm frond products, introducing handbags, belts, head hats, gift boxes, and floral wraps.

Palm frond products are popular among festival visitors, either for use in various stages of date production, such as harvesting and sorting, or for household purposes as traditional heritage items. Meanwhile, foreign tourists attending these festivals are keen to purchase palm frond products as souvenirs for their families and friends in their home countries.