Artifacts
Falcon hood
This falconry hood - known in Arabic as al burqa or al qaffaz - is rounded in shape and made from pink and black leather. It features a triangular opening at the front for the falcon’s beak. The pink leather is decorated with small gold clover patterns and finished with a green leather trim along the lower edge.
Gunpowder Flask
This gunpowder flask is made from a brass tube with copper decoration, a style commonly found in the Middle East and North Africa. It is believed to come from the Najd region and dates to around 1900.
Janbiya
This janbiya is a traditional dagger with a short, curved blade. It has an ornate silver handle decorated with beaded edges and rounded ends. The scabbard curves into a clear “J” shape and is richly decorated with detailed silver patterns created using small beads and fine metalwork.
Burqa
This mid-20th-century Bedouin face mask, known as a burqa, comes from the Hejaz region in western Saudi Arabia. It is made using materials commonly found in the region, including cotton and synthetic fabrics, threads, metal wire, beads, leather, coins, ornaments and mother-of-pearl buttons.
Doll
This female doll is made from cloth and dressed in a red and blue striped dress embroidered withwhite and yellow thread. She wears trousers with yellow and orange stitching at the ankles, a redfabric belt and a decorative head covering adorned with small metal beads and cowrie shells. Hercream-colored fabric head is intentionally left without facial features, drawing attention to thedetailed clothing. The layered textiles and beadwork reflect creativity and a strong connection toregional materials and craft traditions.
Darah
This vibrant green silk darah is richly decorated with gold and silver embroidery, sequins and fine chain-stitch motifs. Flowing floral patterns create a continuous panel from the neckline to the hem and extend across the sleeves from the shoulders to the cuffs. At the center is the National Emblem of Saudi Arabia, a palm tree above two crossed swords, symbolizing vitality, growth, strength and the protection of the Kingdom’s heritage.
Wooden board with Arabic writing in black ink
This wooden writing board is carved in a rectangular shape with a slim handle and was traditionally used to practice Arabic calligraphy. One side still shows clear, carefully written text in black ink. The smooth edges, worn surface and gentle marks on the wood suggest frequent use over time. To help preserve it, Asaan’s conservation experts are studying both the wood and the ink to understand how they age and to ensure the board remains in stable condition for the future.
Tar Drum
This tar drum is a shallow frame drum made with a red-painted wooden rim and a single goatskin drumhead. The drumhead is decorated with henna-dyed arabesque patterns, including flowers, snakes, scorpions and handprints. A small thumb hole in the frame allows the drum to be held comfortably and securely while playing.