Tar Extraction from Wood in Saudi Arabia

Tar extraction from wood in Saudi Arabia, is one of the traditional industries and crafts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known to humans since ancient times and maintained to this day. Professionals in this craft are called Al-Waqadi, or Al-Qatariya and Al-Maqtarina.

Methods of extracting tar from wood in Saudi Arabia

The method of tar extraction from wood in Saudi Arabia varies from one region to another, as well as the types of wood used, but these differences are minor, as they largely agree in the functions of tar and its uses, and the need for it in various aspects of traditional community life in Saudi Arabia.

Tar extraction from wood in Maysan Governorate

Among the regions in Saudi Arabia famous for this industry is Bani Malik in Maysan Governorate, south of Taif, where 'Atam' trees are found on the slopes of its towering mountains and valleys. Its wood is distinguished by its quality and solidity, and the locals benefit from extracting its tar oil - also known as wood oil - which is commonly used for painting boats and veterinary treatments.

tar extraction from wood in Al-Baha

 Al-Bahah Province is known for its interest in traditional industries due to the abundance of craftsmen who practice their crafts as a means of livelihood while also maintaining this heritage from extinction. The region is known for several traditional industries, including tar extraction, silverware, daggers, swords, tanning, pottery, woodwork, and more.

Visitors to the region will notice the strong smell of tar, also known as "Al-Shoup," in the local markets and shops. Many craftsmen engage in its production from the widely available Samar trees in the region. This industry is quite popular, with the tar being a black substance used for painting doors and windows in old houses, and sometimes as a treatment for camels and sheep to heal skin diseases.

Craft of tar extraction from wood

The craft of tar extraction from wood is based on the theory of destructive wood distillation, by burning specific amounts in special containers apart from the air, to obtain the liquid that turns into tar. The process involves the smoke from burning wood collecting in the furnace cavity, then passing through channels and tunnels, leading to jars and vessels made of rock or clay set underground, where the smoke turns into a liquid known as tar. This liquid divides into two parts: Mohl and Qaar.

The facility where tar is extracted is called a Muwaqid or Maqtar, and this craft is known in some areas of Saudi Arabia as "Tawqeed" or "Qatarna," with professionals known as Al-Waqadi, or Al-Qatariya and Al-Maqtarina.

Raw materials used for tar extraction

There are various types of wood used in the tar production process, available in the local environment, with the most common being the wood from Samar and Al-Athal trees. Samar is better for tar heat, while Al-Athal is prolific due to its moisture content and the large amount of smoke it produces when burned. In contrast, Samar wood has less moisture and smoke compared to Al-Athal wood. Additionally, there is the wood from 'Atam trees - wild olive - common in the southwestern Saudi mountains, whose tar has a more pleasant fragrance than that of Al-Athal and Samar.

Types of tar extracted from wood

There are two types of tar extracted from wood: the first is light, forming the top layer of tar collected in the jar and known as Mohl, and the second is heavy, beneath the Mohl layer and settles at the bottom of the furnace, known as Qaar.

Each type of tar has a specific use; Mohl is used to coat certain animals, especially sheep, goats, and camels, as it is an effective remedy for treating scabs that affect camels and goats, protecting animals from nits, and warming their bodies in winter. Mohl is also an effective remedy for removing dandruff, killing lice and nits in human hair. A high-quality type of Mohl called Samar Tar is extracted from Atam tree branches, it is expensive, light, contains a proportion of oil, and is used to condition hair, protecting it from dandruff and lice and adding shine and fragrance.

The second type of tar, Qaar, is black, thick, pleasant-smelling, and mainly used to paint wooden utensils, such as cups, bowls, ma`asher, and rikki (singular: rikwa), as well as some boxes and shelves. Doors, chairs, and wooden beds are also coated with it, and it is used with rags in decorating jars and patching their cracks. It's a potent substance for preventing wood decay and preventing termite damage.