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Saudi Arabia's enduring cultural forms echo its Bedouin past, as seen in
the country's national dance, the al ardha. In this ritual sword dance
men carrying swords or knives dance in formation as a poet sings verses
or a narrator speaks, accompanied by a drummer. Saudi Arabian dress,
composed predominantly of loose, flowing garments, reflects both Islam's
emphasis on modesty, as well as the practicalities of life in a hot and
windswept land. Men usually wear a thawb (a simple, ankle-length shirt
of wool or cotto) and a ghutra (a large, folded cotton square) upon the
head. While traditional women's clothes display regional and tribal
designs, colorful fabric, and metal adornment, when they leave the
house, Saudi women must wear a black cloak and veil (abaya) covering
them from head to toe.
The Ardha performed in Najran, Southern Saudi Arabia
Credit:
Anthony Makin
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Interactive Map: Middle
East- Learn more about the politics, population and history of
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