Introduction:

Saudi Folkloric heritage has been extremely distinguished and unique. Traditions that have prevailed for generations are becoming increasingly important to preserve its cultural significance. For instance, the Saudi dress usually worn at traditional occasions, weddings or parties are seldom used today, and the embroideries produced by our grandparents are gradually disappearing.

For these reasons, we are encouraged to preserve our culture and make it known to the rest of the world. We believe awareness of our folklore around the globe will outline our culture and identity. We wish to express our humanity, by exhibiting our traditional dances, dress style, music, literature, customs and ways of life.

The Folklore Gallery seeks to create a dynamic learning environment for cultural understanding, and to provide experience in sharing and partnership in order to achieve better appreciation and respect between people.  Overall, its goal is to build a wide network of young people willing to make a difference and truly act as democratic leaders for change in their societies.

Preview of the Gallery:

Most people have no real concept and understanding of Arabic or Saudi culture, heritage and customs or knowledge of the region’s history. The Gallery aims at exposing aspects of Saudi lives and culture which are not shown on television or in the daily news.

The Gallery is composed of various materials that make up Saudi folklore, such as embroideries, videos, photos and prints of Saudi way of life, poems, sayings. These, coupled with information about the historical, political and geographical background of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as explanations given by Saudi representatives, will contribute to promoting mutual understanding and respect of the Saudi rich heritage. Furthermore, the Saudi participants in the Gallery provide first hand accounts of daily life.

Importance of Folklore Gallery:

Folklore is defined as the traditions, customs, tales, sayings and art forms preserved among a people. The progress of a nation does not come from entirely abandoning the old, but by uncovering and taking what is best from it, and building upon it. Each nation has a need to increase its ties with its folklore, as folklore is inextricably linked to the nation’s identity.

Folklore evolves as the society progresses, it moves from one generation to the next. Therefore, understanding the folklore of the Saudi society is of great significance in understanding the development of this society over the years. Saudis have a national duty to revive, study and expose their folklore. Saudi universities play a major role in these efforts, as they stand at the heart of knowledge and education. Awareness of this responsibility has incited Teachers College to inaugurate this Gallery.

 Objectives:

·       To promote Saudi traditions and culture. 

·       To provide a better understanding of Saudi identity and reveal how life prevails during past ages.

·       To offer an insight into the life and thoughts of the people living in Saudi Arabia .

·       To provide a clearer picture about the history and culture of the Kingdom.

·       To raise awareness of issues surrounding Saudi culture and identity, such as the obstacles that hinder preserving Saudi heritage.

·       To allow Saudis to find out how their heritage was rich and valuable.

·       To encourage international artistic and cultural exchange.

Material exhibited in the Gallery:

·      Embroideries.

·      Saudi folkloric dances, village life, tourist and holy sites of Arab Peninsula.

·      Images and posters showing life and people in the desert.

·      Pictures of traditional professions in Arab peninsula.

·      Old prints and pictures of old Arabian towns.

·      Saudi currency.

·      Saudi food.

·      Maps revealing the history of Arab Peninsula.

·      Translations of Saudi literature: poems, short stories, tales, sayings and proverbs.

·      PowerPoint presentation of the historical background.