The Role of Women and Their Contributions to Preserving Traditional Weaving in the Najran Region of the Arabian Peninsula
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
This research explores the role of women and their contributions to preserving traditional weav-ing in the Najran region of the Arabian Peninsula. Arabian societies were historically known for a variety of crafts such as trade, blacksmithing, weaving, sewing, and tanning, many of which were passed down through generations. These crafts often remained within families, with knowledge carefully guarded to avoid competition from outsiders. Najran is a region rich in cultural diversity, where women actively participate in most cultural activities and public cele-brations. They play a vital role in preserving customs and traditions, as evidenced by their efforts in passing down traditional skills, arts, and knowledge to future generations. This has helped to strengthen the cultural identity of Najran specifically and the broader Arabian region. The research also highlights how traditional weaving contributed to the formation of women’s cooperatives and economic empowerment in Najran’s past. It offers evidence of the exceptional craftsmanship and expertise women brought to this art form and recognizes notable women who excelled in it. The study sheds light on the importance of women’s role in safeguarding traditional weaving, which in turn enhances our understanding of women’s broader contributions to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage at a local level.