Mansoojat Foundation

Museum of Saudi Arabian Costume online

The Bani Sa'ad tribe

Location: Taif, Hijaz, Western Region

The Bani Sa'ad occupy a fertile section South-East of Taif, their terraced fields and hill-top villages overlooked by rugged mountains. The Prophet Muhammad's wet-nurse came from this tribe.

Clothing in the Taif region is usually tight-fitting and fully lined for warmth in the cold mountain climate. Lavish embroidery, always in vibrant colours and geometric designs, adorns hems, side panels, cuffs, back, the shin of pantaloons, and headdresses. The bodice is often left bare to allow for cascades of silver jewelry and belts.

On festive occasions, Bani Sa’ad women can wear up to seven layered items on the head. These items are mostly decorated with hand made metal beads.

Click to see dressing of Bani Sa'ad lady

Bani Sa'ad thobe with heavily embroidered side panels and hand made silver metal beads embroidered around the neck and sleeves.

Geography, Architecture and Natural History

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