Artefact

Man’s white cotton robe with slight A- line shape and full length square set straight sleeves.

20th century

Object Name: Thaub

Period: 20th century

Date: 1900-1999

Provenance: Qatar

Dimensions: 1.54mx1.72m, weight: 800g

Medium: testile,cotton,silk

Registration Number: QNM.2011.68.1

Place Of Discovery/Findspot: Qatar

Man's gown for everyday use. This type without a collar is no longer worn mans white cotton robe with slight A -line shape and full length square set straight sleeves . the robe has a round neck and a centre front opening fastened with (5) round cream silk braided buttons and loops. The neck has embroidery along the opening and five buttons (handmade made from the same cord) running down the slit.
Made of undyed cotton with vertical panels, chives collar and sleeves without cuffs. Called Qittan because of the embroidery at the neck opening and down the neck slit. This style of thaub was worn primarily in the 1950’s, because of the style of the sleeves, which is not buttoned at each cuff. This thaub is called Qitan based on the type of embroidery on the edges of the thaub by turned cord called Mabroom “Qitan”. The vertical central section is attached to side panels below the arms, which are gathered at the top, becoming wider at the bottom. The sleeve openings have no buttons. The nick opening is round and collarless it opens in a slit down the chest. this is a modern peice. After the 1950’s, people started using buttons and collars like a shirt.
Men's undyed off-white cotton gown for everyday use by the Bedouin.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT QATAR

The Qatar Peninsula is surrounded by sea except in the south where it connects with its neighbours from the Arabian Peninsula. For hundreds of years people have shared the land, resources and knowledge inherited from their environment. With no fixed lifestyle in terms of time and place, people moved easily and freely between land and sea for trade, livestock, pearl diving, fishing, and hunting at various times throughout the year. This symbiotic relationship between the people and their environment was represented in the unity of their societies, including the exchange of knowledge, stories and the trading of available goods.

A distinctive characteristic of life on the Qatar Peninsula has long been the close association between the coast and the desert – al barr. Some desert tribes spent several months of the year in coastal cities, setting up semi-permanent residences to participate in pearl diving or fishing. Similarly, coastal residents occasionally moved to al barr during the winter to graze their livestock. This exchange of natural resources and the influence of different environments has contributed to the creation of a unique community.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT - REGION/GULF/WORLD

The presence of British, French and Dutch trading companies in the Gulf from the early 1600s brought uncertainty to the region, with unstable alliances and intense competition over trade routes. As trade flourished, however, the strength of the Arab tribes increased. Many Arab tribes moved from the interior of the Arabian Peninsula to Qatar, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, most of the major towns of the Gulf were founded. Several towns flourished on the Qatari coast, including Huwailah, Khor Hassan, Fuwairat, Ruwaida, Freiha, Al Bidda and Doha. The most notable was Al Zubara which became a hub for the Gulf pearl trade.

PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH

Ismael, Najla. 2003. Qatari Costume.

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Qatar

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Gallery 7