The Symbolic Connotations of Traditional Architectural Decorations in Al Majma'ah Governorate(Al Tuwaijri House as a Model)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35560/jcofarts1685Keywords:
Gypsum decorations, Najdi decorations, traditional architecture, Najdi architecture, symbolic connotationsAbstract
Traditional architecture in the Najd region is one of the most prominent manifestations of cultural identity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its material and decorative components bear vivid evidence of the aesthetic and social values that have characterized Najdi society throughout history. This research aims to analyze the symbolic connotations of Najdi architectural decorations in Al Tuwaijri House in Al Majma'ah Governorate. The study used a descriptive and analytical approach to uncover and analyze these connotations. To achieve results related to the research objectives, a sample of eight decorations, distributed among geometric, botanical, and symbolic motifs, was studied. The results demonstrated that the Al-Tuwaijri House is distinguished by its unique decorative richness, combining a variety of elements with meticulous execution, making it one of the most important examples which embody the artistic character of Najdi architecture in Al-Majma'ah. The research revealed the integration of the house's decorative elements, as the decorations were not executed in isolation from the building itself, but rather harmonized with the architectural rhythm of the entrances, portico, and majlis. This reflects the craftsman's awareness of the relationship between decoration and the architectural space and the financial capabilities and status of the Al-Tuwaijri family.
The Gypsum decorations embody a symbolic and cultural dimension, reflecting the system of social values in Najd, such as generosity, solidarity, and religiosity. Based on the results of the study, the current study reached a set of recommendations, the most important of which are: digital documentation of the Gypsum decorations and their restoration using traditional materials, while employing the traditional decorative vocabulary in contemporary designs that contribute to preserving authenticity and reviving local identity.
References
Abu Al-Ayoun, Suhair. (2016). Drawing Inspiration from Islamic Architectural and Decorative Elements to Find a Formal Equivalent. Journal of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities, Issue 4, 1-25.
Abu Hasna, Ruba, Kishar, Muhammad, Al-Tuwairb, Sarah, Qatani, Dina. (2025). Artistic and Technical Characteristics of Traditional Gypsum Decorations in the Hail and Al-Majma'ah Regions (A Comparative Analytical Study). Fujairah. The Second International Conference on Calligraphy and Ornamentation.
Al-Anbar, A. (1999). Interiors and their Decoration in The Traditional Mud-Brick Architecture of The Najd Region of Saudi Arabia and the Factors that have Influenced the Development of Interior Decoration and Spatial Organization. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, UK
Al-Anzi, Mohammed (2017). The Aesthetic Characteristics of Najdi Heritage Decorations and Their Role in Strengthening National Identity - A Proposed Program in Aesthetic Appreciation [Unpublished PhD Thesis]. King Saud University.
Al-Ghazi, A. S. (1999). The Riyadh region: A historical, geographical, and social study – The Riyadh region in ancient and Islamic history (Vol. 2, 1st ed.). Riyadh: Emirate of the Riyadh Region.
Al-Haqil, Abdullah (2015). The Capital of the Sudair Region: Historical and Cultural Glimpses. Riyadh: King Fahd Library.
Heritage Commission. (2024). A Decorative Journey. Riyadh: Heritage Commission, Ministry of Culture.
Al-Jabri, Aisha Salem, Obaidat, Asim, and Al-Moallem, Abbas. (2023, July). Decorative Elements in the Facades of Heritage Buildings in the Heart of Sharjah Area: An Analytical and Documentary Study. Journal of Arts, (146), 340-358.https://aladabj.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/aladabjournal/article/view/4000/3572
Al-Musa, Amal. (2017). A New Formulation of Najdi Folk Vocabulary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Preserve Popular Heritage. Research in Qualitative Arts and Sciences, 4(2), 228195. https://balexu.journals.ekb.eg/article_197094.html
Al-Mutlaq, Sara (2023). The Origins of Decorative Forms and Their Developmental Patterns in Traditional Al-Ahsa Architecture: A Critical Documentary Study [Unpublished Master's Thesis]. Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University.
Al-Mohammadi, Dalia. (2023). The Intellectual and Philosophical Dimensions of the Circular Shape in Islamic Art as an Introduction to Contemporary Artistic Practice for Specific Education Students. Journal of the Faculty of Specific Education, Port Said University, 21(21). https://journals.ekb.eg/article_311523.html
Nabawi, Asmaa (2018). The Aesthetics of Najdi Door Decorations between the Rooting of Arab Identity and Creative Thinking. Journal of Architecture and Arts, 3(12), 19-34.https://mjaf.journals.ekb.eg/article_21303.html?lang=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Al-Naim, Muhammad. (2023). Traditional Architectural Elements in the Najdi Environment: Between Style and Identity. Boutaqa Journal, (2). Retrieved May 7, 2025, from https://magazine2.bawtaqah.com/
Al-Naim, Muhammad. (2021). Traditional Najdi settlement architectural elements: Harmonizing function, aesthetics, and shared socio-cultural meaning. Journal of Architecture and Planning, King Saud University, 33(2), 257–276.
Al-Nuwaiser, Mohammed. (1999). Characteristics of Architectural Heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Najd Region). Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Foundation for Culture.
Al-Omair, Abdullah. (2007). Traditional Architecture in Najd. Riyadh: Saudi Society for Archaeological Studies.
Qaniwi, Yasser. (2020). Traditional Decorations in Hadhramaut.
Qanso, Akram. (1995). Arab Folk Photography. Kuwait: World of Knowledge.
Quraitam, Abeer. (2010). Anthropology and Popular Fine Arts. Cairo: Supreme Council for Culture.
Rajab, Ibtisam. (2000). The Distinctive Artistic Implications of Artists' Styles in Contemporary Painting [Unpublished PhD Thesis]. Helwan University.
Sanussi, Manal, and Fayoumi, Fattoun. (2023). Semiotics of Saudi Heritage in Light of Contemporary Technology. Arab Foundation for Science and Research Publishing, 9(4), 32-47.
https://journals.ajsrp.com/index.php/ajsrp/en/article/view/7137/6729
Al-Shahrani, Hamed. (2020). Classification and Analysis of the Rhythmic Systems of Asiri Cat Motifs as an Introduction to the Creation of Contemporary Ceramic Murals: A Proposed Model. PhD Thesis in Art Education.
Al-Shuqair, A. (2023, February 21). The Philosophy of the Triangle in Mud Architecture. Al-Riyadh Newspaper
https://chatgpt.com/c/68f8c020-c908-832d-938c-c7ed5c80119c
Al-Sulaiman, Ahmed. (January 13, 2020). Ahmed Al-Sulaiman - Al-Majma'ah. Retrieved from: https://x.com/ah_alsuliman/status/1216857788405645312
Al-Suwaih, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim. (2024). Popular Decorations in Najdi Houses. Riyadh: Saudi Historical Society.
Al-Ubailan, Latifa, Barfa'a, Shahd, Al-Awad, Abeer, and Baltaib, Dunya (2022). The Visual Characteristics and Different Dimensions of Decorations in the Design of Traditional Najdi Houses. Saudi Journal of Art and Design, 2(1), 57-90. https://pnu.edu.sa/ar/Departments/ScientificSocieties/SaudiArtDesignJournal/Pages/2022-1.aspx
Al-Wael, Saeed. (2015). Al-Ahsa'i Gypsum Inscriptions. Riyadh: Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Bedour Abdullah Al Turki
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
