RIYADH: In Al-Namas, a governorate in the Asir region known for its historic mud and wooden palaces, tradition lives on through the centuries-old craft of making “Al-Maqmaa,” a heritage weapon once used for defense and now central to local celebrations.
Crafting Al-Maqmaa begins with selecting high-quality wood for the body and forging an iron barrel, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Key components include the safha, a compartment for storing gunpowder, and the darrab, used to compact it. The final stage is decoration, with artisans adorning the piece in brass, silver, and intricate engravings.
Fahd Al-Shehri continues a legacy inherited from his father, who opened one of the first Al-Maqmaa repair shops in Al-Namas.
His father modernized the craft using advanced tools while preserving its authenticity. Today, Fahd adapts the weapon for a younger generation, producing lighter, more compact versions.
In Asir, no celebration is complete without Al-Maqmaa and the zahab, a cross-body leather belt studded with metal and used to carry gunpowder cartridges for ceremonial firing.
The production of traditional black powder is part of this heritage. It involves mixing salt from specific soils, natural sulfur, and charcoal made from slow-burning branches.
The compound once was used not only in weapons but also in blasting rocks and excavating wells.
Researcher Saleh Abu Arad noted in his work that Al-Maqmaa remains a powerful symbol of Asir’s identity, passed down through generations as a proud expression of the region’s culture.
