المملكة: An increased demand for wooden baskets on the day of establishment

The manual baskets industry in the Kingdom shine as an ancient heritage that is renewed in national occasions, especially with the advent of the foundation day, as the demand for these traditional products that carry the fragrant past and the beauty of the present increases.
In this context, Al -Harfi Mahdi Al -Asif, who spent 40 years in this profession, tells the story of his passion and craft that generations inherited.

He said: “I have been working in this profession for four decades, and with the approaching day of the establishment, the demand for my patterns of baskets is increasing. This day represents a beautiful and precious occasion on the hearts of all Saudis.”

Baskets

And on the stages of the baskets industry, Al -Asif explained that it begins with the collection of trees and liquids, then the liquid is colored in bright colors such as red, green and white to give an aesthetic touch to the final product. He added: “The small basketball industry takes three days, while the large needs 15 days or more, depending on the required size and design.”

The uses of baskets vary, some of which are used to put wet, fruits and vegetables, while large baskets are used, especially in the past, to preserve bridal clothes and new husbands. Each basket has its own cover made according to its size to complete its beauty and function.

As for the prices of baskets, Al -Asif indicated that the small basket that takes three days of work is sold at 400 riyals, while the large basket price, which requires a larger effort and time, ranges between 3500 and 4000 riyals, and is manufactured on request.
He stressed that the baskets industry is not just a craft, but rather is part of the authentic Saudi identity, which is reflected in its best forms on national occasions such as the establishment of the establishment.