Several creative Saudi women in the southern region of Asir are engaged in using Al-Qatt Al-Asir, the female traditional interior wall decoration of the region that has been in existence since hundreds of years. This ancient female art form, which involves adoring the houses’ internal walls and especially rooms for receiving guests with Al-Qatt, is considered as a key element of the Asir region’s identity.

There are a number of museums and private art galleries on Al-Qatt Al-Asir within houses, run by creative women. The Ministry of Tourism organized specialized training courses in this art form for women and this was instrumental in strengthening the marketing aspect of this ancient art. Subsequently, partnerships were made with international institutions and local bodies specialized in arts to provide quality courses for young women interested in this field.

Generally, the base for Al-Qatt Al-Asir is made of white gypsum with geometric patterns of icon, appearing alongside the length of the walls. The Asiri women practice it on a range of surfaces, including clothing, accessories and furniture. The art enhances social bonding and solidarity among the community and has a therapeutic effect on its practitioners. — SPA