One of the traditional handicrafts that forms an element of the cultural identity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the making of incense burners. These are produced according to a long-standing cultural and social heritage. The traditional manufacture of incense burners in the Kingdom is considered an ancient craft whose roots extend back more than 140 years. It is concentrated mainly in the Hail region, whose people have excelled in this traditional art. The craft of making incense burners emerged in Hail decades ago and was passed down through generations, expressing cultural identity and highlighting the distinctive forms and aesthetics created by its craftsmen and artists, demonstrating the precision of the craft and the skill of the incense-burner makers.

The use of incense burners dates back through long periods of history, forming a heritage whose presence has remained continuous. For decades, Saudis have used incense burners in their traditional gatherings and majlis (guest reception areas) to spread fragrances that bring joy to those present. They are also used at parties, weddings, banquets, celebrations, and various occasions. These incense burners are handcrafted with exceptional precision, thanks to an established craft passed down from one generation to another.

A Skilled Craft:

The manufacture of incense burners in the Kingdom varies according to their shapes and the raw materials from which they are made. They are handcrafted from local woods such as tamarisk wood, tarfa trees, and other trees, as well as pottery, stone, and copper. Later, some modern materials were introduced, such as ceramics and glass, alongside the innovation of electric incense burners powered by batteries. Incense burners are decorated with intricate and precise artistic patterns that can take between two and five hours to complete for a single piece. Skilled craftsmen work tirelessly to decorate these incense burners, braziers, or chimneys in different shapes and methods.

Despite the succession of generations, the development of incense-burner designs, and the introduction of modern aesthetic touches, they have remained present in Gulf homes and majlises in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular, due to their connection with the deeply rooted culture of perfuming and scenting among the peoples of this region. This craft represents a combination of artistic creativity and technical knowledge, relying on shaping local wood using hand tools and traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Haili Craftsmanship:

Haili incense burners are considered among the most important heritage pieces reflecting cultural identity, and today they have become a symbol of authenticity and luxury in Saudi homes. The manufacture of Haili incense burners dates back decades, as the people of the Hail region have excelled in pottery and ceramics since ancient times. Over time, this craft developed into a complete art that combines practical function with aesthetic value. It began as a simple craft to meet the needs of local residents, and manufacturing and decorative techniques evolved as expertise was passed down from generation to generation. Its reputation then spread throughout the Kingdom and the Arabian Gulf, where incense burners are used to scent majlises and honor guests. They are part of the cultural and social identity, reflecting the skill and creativity of Saudi craftsmen.

Materials used in making incense burners include local clay, soapstone, which has the ability to retain heat, metals, and natural pigments used for coloring, patterns, and decoration. Characteristics of incense burners include geometric shapes such as triangles, squares, and interlocking circles arranged in harmonious patterns; floral decorations consisting of branches, leaves, and flowers inspired by the local environment; inscriptions featuring Quranic verses, supplications, and wisdom sayings in authentic Arabic calligraphy; and traditional colors such as clay red, turquoise blue, olive green, and gold.

The Creativity of the Incense Burner:

The traditional manufacture of incense burners goes through several stages: preparing the clay: the clay is purified and mixed with water until it reaches a suitable consistency for shaping; hand shaping: the clay is shaped by hand or using a traditional pottery wheel; drying: the pieces are left to dry in the shade for several days; first firing: they are placed in special kilns to be fired and hardened; decoration and coloring: the pieces are decorated and colored using natural pigments; final firing: they are fired again to set the colors and decorations; and finishing: final touches are added, such as metal or leather inlays.

The types of incense burners in Saudi Arabia vary according to region and culture, with each region contributing its own cultural diversity to the shapes and decorations found on incense burners. These include the Najdi incense burner, the Hijazi incense burner, and the Eastern incense burner. Each has its own designs, shapes, and decorations that contribute to the aesthetics of identity, culture, and place.

It is worth noting that the origins of using incense burners date back to ancient civilizations in the Arabian Peninsula, where incense was used for religious and social purposes. The fragrance of incense was considered a sign of welcome and respect. Ancient Arabs used simple incense burners made of stone or clay, which were used during social and religious occasions.

Footnotes:

· Asnaf

· Sky News Arabia

· Manhal Al-Teeb

· Warthah Educational Platform