What Are the Weapons Used in the Saudi Ardah?

The Saudi Ardah includes specific instruments that complete its performance and artistry. Among them are weapons, which are considered a fundamental element of the dance. These weapons are used during the dance moves and are regarded as part of the attire. They include: the sword, a metal weapon consisting of the blade, which is lightweight for ease of handling, and the hilt, the part held in the hand, which is often made of ivory or shell and adorned with gold or silver to avoid harming the bearer's hand; the curved dagger, worn at the waist using a belt decorated with golden straps known as 'Al-Mujannad Al-Mudhahhab'; a small-caliber eight mm pistol, colloquially referred to as 'Al-Fard', stored in a black leather holster called 'Bayt Al-Fard', which includes compartments for storing spare rounds, and sometimes the pistol is fired during the performance; and the rifle, a firearm placed on the shoulder during shooting, with various traditional and antique types.