Al Sadu Weaving Kit by Caravane Earth Creative Residency

The Al Sadu weaving kit is a textile production set that allows both beginners and advanced weavers to produce Al Sadu textiles themselves with a small ground loom, untreated sheepٰs wool and a manual on the basics, and weaving techniques.

The ground loom structure was created by our carpentry department at Heenat Salma Farm with the participation of the Qatari Al Sadu Women Weavers community, and in strict accordance with their recommendations and expertise.

About Al Sadu Weaving

Al Sadu is a horizontal weaving style: it features ancient geometric patterns that echo colours and shapes of the desert. Al Sadu refers to traditional woven textiles made by Bedouin women. It features ancient geometric patterns that echo the colours and shapes of the desert. The production of this textile in desert society, as well as in coastal settlements, was central to community life, and its use in making functional objects allowed for greater efficiency and an expression of identity. The origins of Al Sadu went beyond handicraft or artisanal and cultural practices. Within the traditional nomadic lifestyle, the craft was used to make tents and ornament their different elements. It was part of traditional architecture as well as an expression of tribal and gender identity. These textiles allow us to trace the creativity and history of a people living between the desert and the sea.

The main transmitters of Al Sadu are elderly Bedouin women who are master weavers. They play a central role in passing on these relevant skills to others, most often within the family. In addition, associations and educational organisations can pass down the skills and knowledge of Al Sadu through classes and/or workshops. Through the activities of the Creative Residency, we maintain, promote, and work to preserve the craft of Al Sadu.

The local community of Al Sadu women weavers produced over 360 square metres of textiles for the walls, doors, and roof of the construction as well as eight special symbolic rugs — two for each entrance of “The Majlis: A Meeting Place”, a multi-layered project that comprises an architectural object, an exhibition, and a public programme. It explores, showcases, and embraces nomadic culture, being itself a project on the move. Its initial unveiling took place at the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale, where The Majlis was installed on the grounds of the San Giorgio Maggiore Monastery. Today, the project continues with the exhibition held at the National Museum of Qatar, including the main buildings of the Old Palace. One of the main components of The Majlis exhibition is the Al Sadu weaving craft practised by Bedouin women.