Dumat Al Jandal: Local festivals across Saudi Arabia offer a platform to showcase authentic traditional handicrafts, and in line with the declaration of this year as the “Year of Handicrafts,” Al-Jouf Region is hosting the “Camel Auction” in Dumat Al Jandal, a 10-day event featuring the participation of several artisans.

According to Saudi Press Agency, among the showcased crafts is ‘Al-Samil,’ a traditional leather container made by Saudi women from livestock skin, used to store ghee, milk, and water. Artisan Umm Mishal demonstrates the production process, explaining that sheep skin is ideal for milk, while goat skin is better suited for ghee. The leather is first treated with Calligonum extract to remove the hair, then sewn into shape, with a narrow opening sealed using a ‘Wikaa,’ a thin leather thread.

‘Al-Samil’ reflects the cultural heritage of Al-Jouf, with Bedouin communities still relying on it to store dairy products, particularly ghee, which is prized for the rich, distinct flavor it develops when preserved in these traditional containers.

The event also highlights the efforts of Saudi female artisans to preserve and promote these traditional crafts, passing them on to future generations while expanding into new markets.