Riyadh: Old educational tools and materials represent an important part of Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical memory, documenting the evolution of educational methods and reflecting the efforts of teachers and students to pursue and spread knowledge despite limited resources.
According to Saudi Press Agency, these tools showcase the Kingdom's scientific heritage through traditional methods of teaching, writing, and knowledge preservation, and highlight the community's ability to utilize natural local materials to support learning across generations.
Traditional tools included ink made from natural resources such as plants, charcoal, and pomegranate peels, as well as wooden writing tablets and pens crafted from natural elements. Inkpots varied in design and materials, while specialized tools were used for bookbinding and manuscript preservation. Lighting tools, such as stone oil lamps, enabled nighttime study.
These artifacts were collected and studied by historians such as Dr. Hamad Al-Shaikhan, with some items dating back more than 300 years, serving as historical evidence of the Kingdom's educational development and scholarly tradition.
They remain vital cultural symbols that preserve educational heritage and highlight the enduring value of knowledge in Saudi society.