POST 4: Samar, Al-Sadu

What Is Al-Sadu?

Quick answer: Al-Sadu (السدو) is the traditional Bedouin weaving of Arabia. A woman who weaves is a نسّاجة (nassāja), pronounced nas-SAA-ja.

Meet Samar, the Al-Sadu Weaver from Northern Saudi Arabia

Samar keeps the craft of Al-Sadu alive as one of the [Northern Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link].

What Is Al-Sadu Weaving?

Al-Sadu is woven from sheep’s wool, goat hair, and camel hair in bold, geometric stripes and patterns. Traditionally it made tents, rugs, cushions, and decorations for camels, and it was a craft carried on by Bedouin women.

How Do You Pronounce Al-Sadu and Nassāja?

Al-Sadu is as-SA-doo. Nassāja is nas-SAA-ja, with the doubled s held slightly longer.

Where Does the Word Nassāja Come From?

It comes from the root ن-س-ج (to weave). Nasīj (نسيج) means fabric or textile. A man who weaves is a نسّاج (nassāj), the same job-title pattern as ḥaddād and khabbāz.

How Do You Say “Samar Is a Weaver” in Arabic?

سمر نسّاجة (Samar nassāja).

FAQ

• What is the Arabic word for wool? صوف (ṣūf).
• What is the Arabic word for fabric? نسيج (nasīj).
• How do you say weaver for a man? نسّاج (nassāj).

Take Samar home: [Al-Sadu Blanket] Next: [Meet Noura the Astronomer →]