UNESCO Representative List
Sadu Weaving Makes Its Way to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage adds new cultural components every session to UNESCO's 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.' This is a step towards acknowledging the crucial position of intangible cultural heritage in preserving cultural diversity, fostering dialogue, and promoting mutual respect.
In 2020, this honor was conferred to the time-honored weaving of Al Sadu in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. This addition to UNESCO's 'Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' symbolizes the cultural legacy of the endangered art form.
The traditional weaving of Al Sadu derived from the Arabic term for 'weaving done in a horizontal style' is a technique of woven textile typically crafted by Bedouin women. They use a warp-faced plain weave on a ground loom and utilize local natural fibers. These textiles were traditionally used for clothing, tents, and other functional items and often featured bright colors and intricate patterns. Today, Sadu weaving remains an integral part of many Bedouin communities.
>The precision of the spinning and weaving and the weaver's expertise determine the rarity of each woven Sadu item. The use of finer yarn results in more prominent and delicate structures and design patterns.
Older Bedouin women, recognized as master weavers and leading custodians of Al Sadu, play a crucial role in passing on the necessary skills, typically within the household. Presently, bearers and practitioners engage in weaving Al Sadu either as a hobby or for commercial purposes.
Due to the dangers of extinction faced by this art form, institutions, and educational organizations have been deployed to transmit skills and knowledge through classes or workshops. The Sadu House, established by the Kuwaiti government, has played a pivotal role in preserving the art of Sadu weaving. This institution serves as a cultural center, workshop space, and museum, promoting Sadu weaving and providing a platform for weavers to practice and showcase their skills.
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