sadU

Sadu is a traditional weaving craft of Bedouin and Gulf communities, particularly in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. It is primarily a women’s textile practice, historically woven in households to produce fabrics for tents, saddles, garments, and household items.

Materials and technique are central to sadu. The weavings use wool from sheep or camel hair, spun by hand and dyed with natural dyes such as madder for red and indigo for blue, along with other plant- and mineral-based colors. Weaving is done on traditional looms, often in narrow widths, producing geometric patterns rather than figurative imagery. Common motifs include diamonds, chevrons, and lattices, arranged in bands and panels. Patterns can indicate family or tribal identity and may carry symbolic meanings related to protection, fertility, or mobility.

Uses of sadu goods are varied. Historically, fabrics adorned tents, walls, and furniture, and were used to make saddle bags, camel trappings, and cushions. Over time, the craft has expanded into modern textiles, with sadu-inspired textiles appearing in fashion, interior design, and decorative arts. The craft also serves as an expression of cultural heritage and regional identity.

Preservation and contemporary life. Institutions in the Gulf region, such as cultural centers and museums, promote training, documentation, and exhibitions of sadu weaving. Contemporary designers frequently draw on sadu patterns, blending traditional motifs with new materials and applications while efforts to sustain skilled artisans and passing the craft to new generations continue.