On August 22, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Vietnam held an event to introduce Al-Qatt Al-Asiri - the traditional interior wall decoration art of Saudi Arabia.
 |
| Ms. Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros - Wife of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia introduces Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art - traditional interior wall decoration art of Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
Attending the event were female representatives of Vietnamese ministries and branches, female Heads of international organizations, wives of Ambassadors and Chargé d'Affaires in Vietnam...
In her opening speech, Ms. Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros - Wife of the Saudi Arabian Ambassador said that Al-Qatt Al-Asiri is a unique art form of Saudi Arabia, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in December 2017.
This is one of the most important folk arts and an ancient artistic heritage with rich aesthetic and plastic values in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This art is considered a key element in the identity of the Asir region in Southern Saudi Arabia, as it is creatively used by the women of the region to decorate the interior walls of their homes, especially the living room.
 |
| The program received enthusiastic response from many delegates. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
 |
 |
| The experience attracted even young delegates. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
“In the past, when men were in charge of building, repairing and maintaining the house, women were responsible for decorating the interior walls with harmoniously drawn shapes in bright and attractive colors. They also invited their relatives, who were women of different ages, to help draw and color these patterns and shapes. Since then, this art has contributed to strengthening social cohesion and solidarity among the women community in the area,” said Ms. Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros.
Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art has many motifs, including shapes and symbols arranged in layers, each layer has its own symbolism and aesthetic and cultural meaning, as they represent people, religion and elements of the environment. Some prominent Al-Qatt Al-Asiri motifs include: Al Banat (girls) symbolizing femininity, maturity and the role of women in the community; or the motif called Khatamah which has religious meaning, symbolizing unity, harmony and the infinite creativity of the Creator, reflecting the Muslim belief in the divine order in the universe.
 |
| Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art has many motifs, including shapes and symbols arranged in layers, each layer has its own symbol and aesthetic and cultural meaning. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
The pattern of evenly spaced straight lines called Amshat symbolizes equality and unity, just as parallel lines represent harmony and unity among people.
Ariash and Athwaq represent wheat and food. These motifs are often used to depict elements related to agriculture, food supply and nutrition as wheat is a staple crop and an important food source.
After the sketches are drawn, colors are used to complete the design. The talent of the Asiri women is shown in mixing primary colors (red, yellow, black and blue) with secondary colors to express the magnificence and aesthetics of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art.
 |
| Traditionally, all the materials and tools used to practice this art are collected by the women themselves in nature. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
 |
| Works by the delegates attending the event. (Photo: Nguyen Hong) |
 |
All the materials and tools used to practice this art are collected by the women themselves in nature such as plants, flowers and stones to create pigments; using goat tail hair, branches, thorns as painting tools. This shows the aesthetic taste and sophistication of Saudi Arabian women in general and Asir women in particular.
While in the past this art was more commonly associated with women, today both male and female artists, architects and interior designers practice Al-Qatt on a variety of surfaces, including clothing, accessories and furniture. Al-Qatt has inspired the artworks of modern architects and interior designers.
At the event, guests had the opportunity to experience the unique Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art through drawing and coloring typical Al-Qatt motifs. The event brought guests interesting experiences of traditional art with strong Saudi Arabian aesthetics, thereby better understanding the cultural beauty and life of the people here.
Source
Comment (0)