Qatar
The Block
An embroidered replication of the seal found on Qatar currency is the block’s design. It was derived from several samples of the monetary unit (the riyal) donated by Hanan Al Hammadi and features palm trees––representing food and oil––and a traditional dhow supported by crossed sabers. Dhows, unique wooden sailing vessels that were historically used for fishing and pearling, are now often used for recreational sailing or racing. Gold thread-work outlining the block’s central medallion is similar to al-zari, the fine, intricately patterned embroidery that characterizes traditional Qatari attire. Within the country, customary clothing is still the norm, although younger women are likely to wear Western garments under their abayas oral-darraas (dresses).
Cultural Profile
The State of Qatar (pronounced KUT-ter) is an independent emirate situated on a largely barren peninsula in the Persian Gulf. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and, measures 11,400 km2. Qatar is an incongruity––a desert land surrounded by water where there is little-to-no agriculture. Beneath the sand however, are the world’s third largest oil and natural gas reserves. These have enabled the country to transform itself from a poor British protectorate, known primarily for pearling, into one of the world’s wealthiest independent states. The petroleum industry has brought a large number of foreign workers into the country and today only about 15% of the population is Qatari; the rest is comprised of South Asians and Arabs from other nations. Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken, serving as a lingua franca for the large expatriate population in the country.
Qatar’s culture is still largely based on traditional Bedouin poetry, song and dance, which tell great tales of fishing and pearling. During the 18th century the pearling grounds of Qatar were some of the most fruitful in the world. Falconry is an extremely popular sport within the country, as is Arabian horse and camel racing; Qatar is well known for breeding great camels.
Traditional handcrafts are renowned for their beauty and fine craftsmanship, and jewellery is exquisitely made and highly valued. Examples of such Qatari skills are evident in al mirtaesha, gold necklaces that often cover the chest down to the waistline, al kaff, bracelets that covers almost the entire hand, and decorative head pieces called al tasa. The Bedouins are also adept at sadu, a craft that involves dyeing and then weaving goat, sheep or camel hair into household items, such as saddlebags, carpets, blankets, and the tents that were essential to the Bedouin’s nomadic lifetstyle. The weavers traditionally use ground looms, with posts driven in the sand, to produce their textiles. Some villages are known as well for a craft called al-safaf, which involves weaving baskets from palm leaves and cane.
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