FATIMA HERITAGE MUSEUM
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This museum, a national treasure, will introduce you to the art of qatt al asiri and traditional painting.
Fatimah is a national treasure. She perpetuates the art of qatt al asiri, the traditional painting that decorates the interiors of Asir homes. She has almost single-handedly saved this tradition and is now supported by the Saudi government in training women in this ancient art. She welcomes you to her home, which has been converted into a museum, exhibition and training center. The museum section features antique garments, jewelry and, of course, a collection of murals. The artist has brought together in unique works the symbols used in qatt. Bright colors and geometric lines form abstract friezes charged with meaning. Fatimah, her husband or her son will explain in detail the meaning of this art form, which is traditionally passed down between women. The triangle symbolizes the woman, while the square reflects the complete recitation of the Koran. Equality in human relations is materialized by fine lines of equal length. In the past, women used to get together to paint the interiors of their homes, especially the reception rooms. They prepared the pigments themselves. Red came from stone, green from herbal extracts, yellow from turmeric, black from charcoal, white from lime, and so on. The colors were mixed with gum arabic to ensure their stability over time. Fatimah also gives lectures and has taken the qatt colors to Unesco.
