al-Hiba: Reed Building Makers

Date: 1960s

Ochsenschlager records the making of a seven-arched mudhif, which took six days to complete. The ground plan was established with rope and stakes using forearm (dhirāʿ, i.e. cubit) and hand-length (shibr) measurements. Holes were dug for the supports, which were two vertical reed bundles with one bundle between them horizontally at chest height. The arches were also made of reed bundles, which were constructed on the supports. Ochsenschlager was told that a finished Mudhif must have an uneven number of arches in order to avoid bad luck. Reed mats (baria) were used to cover the frame. See also: Maker of Woven Mats; Maker of Plaited Mats; Maker of Mud Bricks; Maker of Pisé Houses.

Date: 1960s

In addition to the mudhif, other types of reed building are made, including the sarifa. In order to make the sarifa, large bundles of reeds are placed vertically in holes with two especially tall bundles in the centre at either end. A ridge pole, made either of wood or from a reed bundle, is attached to these taller bundles. Reed rafters are then tied to the poles that connect the ridge pole to the lower sidewalls. This framework is covered with latticework or reed mats. The door is on the long side. See also: Maker of Woven Mats; Maker of Plaited Mats; Maker of Mud Bricks; Maker of Pisé Houses.