Al Sadu Weaving

One of my lecturers at University has been exploring the history and current use of the ancient textiles method used in Kuwait known as Al Sadu Weaving. We have learnt from Dr Keireine Canavan’s developing research that the Bedouin women weavers’ reflect their rich heritage, the natural beauty of their surroundings, patterns and designs of the nomadic lifestyle.

Dr Keireine’s blog : http://alsaduweaving.wordpress.com/ has a lot more detail about her research and this very rare traditionial technique of weaving although here are a few of the main characteristics which stood out to me:

This very decorative craft is meant to be functional, it is vital for the nomadic lifestyle to continue in its traditional way

It is used to convey the creativity and history of their surroundings in the desert and coast where the nomadic lifestyle is based

A very reliable reference tool to understand the women who wove and the tribal nomads who have lived with them

This traditional technique which has been the source to record and reflect the Bedouin women’s lives is in danger of steadily declining to a point of no longer existing. The beauty of their work is inspiring and the fact it has been passed on to the next generation for such a long period of time is incredible. Contemporary work has been inspired by the patterns and bright colours however it would be devastating if this was the only connection left to this wonderous tecnique.