Al-Qatt Al-Asiri

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri (also called nagash painting or majlis painting), is a style of South Arabian art, typically painted by women in the entrance to a home. It originated in the 'Asir Region of Saudi Arabia where the front parlour of traditional Arab homes typically contained wall paintings in the form of a mural or fresco with geometric designs in bright colors. Called nagash in Arabic, the wall paintings are often considered a mark of pride.^[1] In 2017 Al-Qatt Al-Asiri was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.^[2]

Wall painted with Al-Qatt Al-Asiri

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, female traditional interior wall decoration in Asir, Saudi Arabia
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
Country	Saudi Arabia
Reference	01261
Region	Arab States
Inscription history
Inscription	2017 (12th session)
List	Representative

Women’s artwork

Woman painting a wall using the Asiri art of Al-Qatt

Women in the Asir region are traditionally responsible for plastering and painting the walls, corridors, and ceilings of their homes. A family’s wealth is often signified by the skill, color, and complexity of the paintings, with poorer homes decorated in basic straight, simple lines in red, green, yellow, and brown.^{[citation needed][3]} Women within the same neighborhood sometimes compete to make the most vivid and extravagant designs.

Women's artwork is heavily influenced by their love for music, their view of culture and general perception of life^{[citation needed]}; for example, the artwork of more conservative women is more likely to feature conservative and modest colors.^{[citation needed][4]}

The interior walls of the home are brightly painted, employing defined patterns of lines, triangles, squares, diagonals and tree-like patterns.^[1] The geometric designs and heavy lines seem to be adapted from the area’s textile and weaving patterns.^[5]

Women from the region sometimes sell miniature 'Asiri houses as souvenirs and bric-à-brac, which are popular among Saudi city-dwellers, who find these colorful houses a source of wonder.^[6]

Airport art

The Saudi provincial airport in Abha reflects the region's cultural heritage. Airport Director Abdul Aziz Abu Harba said that "the seating arrangement at the airport lounge has been in the form of a traditional majlis and the walls are painted in various colors reflecting the natural beauty of Asir".^[7]