Al-Qallafah is the traditional craft of making wooden ships in eastern Saudi Arabia. This craft is a big part of the woodworking profession and it has a rich history tied to the sea.
What is Al-Qallafah (القلافة)
Al-Qallafah is the craft of building traditional wooden ships in the Eastern Province of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The word comes from Arabic and describes the skill of making wooden boats by hand. It is considered part of the woodworking profession, just like carpentry.
The person who practices this craft is called al-Qallaf. These are skilled craftsmen who have learn their trade from their families and teachers. There is also another important person in this work called Majdami. The Majdami is responsible for repairing ship damages while the ships are on sea. The Majdami often travels with pearl diving ships on their journeys across the Arabian Gulf.
Al-Qallafah represents the deep connection between the people of the Arabian Gulf and the sea. For thousands of years the Gulf countries have recognized this craft as an important part of their heritage. The ships built using Al-Qallafah were used for fishing, trade, traveling and pearl diving. These ships help the coastal communities survive and grow.
Why is Al-Qallafah Important
Building ships is important in the Arab Gulf countries. It shows how people connect with the sea, fishing and pearl diving. In the Eastern Province, people have practiced al-Qallafah for many years. They used the sea to travel and trade because land travel was difficult. This helped shipbuilding grow and flourish.
Key Points
- Al-Qallafah means building wooden ships.
- The artisan is called an al-Qallaf (القلاف).
- A Majdami repairs ships and goes with pearl divers.
- Shipbuilding is important to the culture of the Gulf region.
- People have used the sea for travel and trade for a long time.
Conclusion
Al-Qallafah is more than just making ships. It connects people to their history and the sea. This craft shows how important ships are to culture and traditions of Saudi Arabia.
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