BURAIDAH: For generations, desert communities in Saudi Arabia relied on the qirbah, a traditional waterskin made from tanned animal hide, to carry, store and cool water, as well as preserve clarified butter and buttermilk.
Typically suspended in open air, often from a simple three-legged wooden stand, the qirbah cooled water naturally through evaporation, reflecting a practical response to harsh desert conditions and symbolizing self-reliance and ingenuity, Saudi Press Agency said in a recent report.
The qirbah is known for its longevity and remains in use in modern times, often hung outside vehicles to keep drinking water cool. (SPA)
Mohammed Al-Shomar, a specialist in heritage tools, told SPA that several types of qirbah were used for different purposes.
Al-Sa’n, made from goat or sheep hide, was used to store and cool water, while Al-Sumeel served for storing and churning buttermilk.
Al-Akka was designed for clarified butter, and Al-Shakwa was more versatile, used for milk, butter, sour buttermilk, and honey.
FASTFACTS
• The qirbah cooled water naturally through evaporation, reflecting a practical response to harsh desert conditions and symbolizing self-reliance and ingenuity.
• Crafting a qirbah involved softening the hide with fat or tallow, cutting it to size and stitching it with a large needle.
Crafting a qirbah involved softening the hide with fat or tallow, cutting it to size and stitching it with a large needle.
The neck formed the opening, while the legs acted as grips for carrying or securing the container.
Once essential for long desert journeys, the qirbah is known for its longevity and remains in use in modern times, often hung outside vehicles to keep drinking water cool.
Today, renewed interest in innovations like the qirbah reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to preserve and celebrate traditional heritage as part of its cultural transformation.
