TRADITION AND THE NEW TRADITION

The Burqu’ Rayyasi, a refined and bejeweled form of the Batoola, holds a deeply rooted cultural significance in Qatari traditions. Adorned with intricate gold coins and motifs, it represents a heightened level of craftsmanship and elegance, serving as a symbol of status, respectability, and personal identity. Historically, the Burqu’ Rayyasi was worn on special occasions, distinguishing it from the simpler, everyday Batoola. Its aesthetic and cultural prominence elevated it as a cherished marker of heritage, especially among women of esteemed social standing.

This art installation reflects on the Burqu’ Rayyasi’s transition and its resonance in contemporary times, reinterpreting its role through the lens of modern necessity. While the Burqu’ Rayyasi once symbolized personal choice, artistic expression, and tradition, the modern disposable face mask—its conceptual counterpart in this installation—represents a different kind of necessity, driven by collective health and governmental mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The installation highlights the contrast and connection between these two forms of facial coverings. It invites viewers to contemplate how symbols of cultural heritage, like the Burqu’ Rayyasi, evolve under shifting societal needs, moving from markers of individuality and tradition to instruments of universal responsibility. The juxtaposition of these elements not only underscores the resilience of cultural artifacts but also explores their reinvention in the face of global challenges, preserving echoes of their historical essence while serving a new purpose.