Al-Baha Heritage Villages Celebrate Millstone's Traditional Role

The millstone, known as Alraha, was a notable feature at the Dar Festival in Al-Mousa Heritage Village during its second edition in Al-Baha. This traditional household item was once highly sought after by families in the region for grinding grain crops.

Khaled Azeb Al-Zahrani, the supervisor of Al-Mousa Heritage Village, highlighted its significance in an interview with the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). He stated that the millstone is a crucial element of old houses in the region, used primarily for grinding flour and grains.

The millstone comprises two circular stones, with the upper stone being slightly larger than the lower one. A small opening in the centre allows for the introduction of grain. A pole is placed centrally to maintain balance during rotation.

A wooden pole at one end of the upper stone is used to hold and rotate it during grinding. Beneath the mill, a textile made from sheep's wool and goat hair collects the ground flour, allowing precise control over grain coarseness.

Al-Zahrani explained that this setup ensures grains are suitable for various popular dishes like porridge. The "millstone" item, with its innovative engineering, was once an essential part of daily life and cooking habits.

However, it has now become a rarity, only seen on special occasions and festivals that aim to revive customs and traditions. These events showcase old household items to younger generations.

The Dar Festival serves as an excellent platform to display such historical items, helping to keep cultural heritage alive. The millstone's presence at these events highlights its importance in traditional Saudi Arabian households.

By featuring items like the millstone at festivals, organisers hope to educate people about past lifestyles and preserve these practices for future generations. This effort ensures that valuable traditions are not forgotten.

The intricate design of the millstone reflects the ingenuity of past generations in creating practical tools for everyday use. Its role in food preparation underscores its importance in historical culinary practices.

As modern technology advances, such traditional tools become less common. However, their cultural significance remains undiminished. Showcasing them at heritage festivals helps bridge the gap between past and present.

The Dar Festival's focus on traditional items like the millstone provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with their heritage. It also offers a glimpse into how previous generations lived and worked.

This initiative by Al-Mousa Heritage Village underscores the importance of preserving cultural artifacts. It also highlights how these items played a vital role in daily life and sustenance in historical times.

With inputs from SPA