Traditional Makkah Craft Preserved Through Qashashi Bag Weaving

The craft of weaving the Makkah Qashashi bag stands out as one of the traditional heritage crafts that formed an integral part of daily life in Makkah and its surrounding areas. Even today, it remains a living testimony to human ingenuity in utilizing natural resources to serve the community.
 The Qashashi bag is a traditional, handmade product woven from palm fronds and natural fibers. Historically, it was used for storing provisions and transporting grains, dates, and household items.
 This craft is closely tied to the environment, reflecting the relationship between humans and their natural surroundings. Artisans relied on locally available materials, primarily palm fronds, which are carefully dried and processed using traditional methods before weaving. The weaving process requires high manual skill and patience, and is executed with simple decorative patterns that convey the identity of the place and reflect the aesthetic taste of Makkah society.
 The Qashashi bag was also associated with specific social occasions and daily life roles, giving it a symbolic value beyond its practical use as a household item. Over time, as lifestyles changed, daily use of the craft declined. However, it has not disappeared; it has been revived through initiatives promoting traditional crafts, now featured in cultural exhibitions and heritage festivals, and incorporated into the design of modern products that preserve its authentic spirit while meeting contemporary needs.