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Al-Qatt Al-Asiri
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Country	Saudi Arabia
Domains	female traditional interior wall decoration
Reference	01261
Inscription history
Inscription	2017
List	Representative

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri (also called nagash painting or majlis painting), is an Arabic art style. It originated in the decoration of majlis (the front parlour of traditional Arab homes) in the Asir province of Saudi Arabia and adjoining parts of Yemen. These wall paintings, typically in the form of a of mural or fresco, present geometric designs in bright colors. Called nagash in Arabic, the wall paintings are often considered a mark of pride for a woman.

It was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017 as Al-Qatt Al-Asiri.

The geometric designs and heavy lines seem to be adapted from the area’s textile and weaving patterns.

Women’s artwork

Women in the Asir region are traditionally responsible for plastering and painting the walls, corridors, and ceilings of their homes. A family’s wealth often is signified by the skill, color, and complexity of the paintings, with poorer homes decorated in basic straight, simple lines in red, green, yellow, and brown. Women within the same neighborhood sometimes compete to make the most vivid and extravagant designs. Several Saudi women have become famous as majlis painters, such as Fatima Abou Gahas. Women's artwork is heavily influenced by their love for music, their view of culture and general perception of life; for example, the artwork of more conservative women is more likely to feature conservative and modest colors.

The interior walls of the home are brightly painted, employing defined patterns of lines, triangles, squares, diagonals and tree-like patterns.

Women from the region sometimes sell miniature 'Asiri houses as souvenirs and knickknacks, which are popular among Saudi city-dwellers, who find these colorful houses a source of wonder.

Airport art

The Saudi provincial airport in Abha reflects the region's cultural heritage. Airport Director Abdul Aziz Abu Harba said that "the seating arrangement at the airport lounge has been in the form of a traditional majlis and the walls are painted in various colors reflecting the natural beauty of Asir".

References

1. ^ Yunis, Alia, "The Majlis Painters," Saudi Aramco World Magazine, July/August 2013, pages 24-31.
2. "Al-Qatt Al-Asiri". UNESCO. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
3. Maha Al Faisal and Khalid Azzam. 1999. "Doors of the Kingdom" Saudi Aaramco World. This article appeared on pages 68-77 of the January/February 1999 print edition of Saudi Aramco World]
4. Ni'Mah Isma'il Nawwab (1998). "The Suqs of 'Asir". {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help) This article appeared on pages 2-9 of the July/August 1998 print edition of Saudi Aramco World.
5. Mishaal Al-Tamimi (19 May 2011). "2011 "Abha airport reflects heritage". Arab News. Retrieved 19 September 2018.

• Arabic art
• Art genres
• Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
• Interior design
• Islamic architectural elements
• Painting techniques
• Saudi Arabian art
• Saudi Arabian culture
• Murals
• Women and the arts
• Women in Saudi Arabia