Millstone: A Signature Household Component Reflecting Al-Baha’s Heritage

Millstone, known as Al Raha, is a traditional household item that Al-Baha families were keen to possess in order to grind grain crops.
In the second edition of Dar Festival at Al-Mousa Heritage Village in Al-Baha, millstone has gained visitors’ attention, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In an interview with SPA, the supervisor of Al-Mousa Heritage Village, Khaled Azeb Al-Zahrani, highlighted the significance of millstone for Al-Baha families. “Millstone is an essential item of old households. It is primarily used for grinding flour and grains,” he said.
Al-Zahrani explained that millstone consists of two circular stones, one above the other, with the upper stone being slightly larger than the lower one. The millstone has a small opening at the center for grain, and a vertical shaft in the middle to maintain balance during rotation. A wooden handle is attached to the upper stone to hold the millstone and turn it during the grinding process.
According to Al-Zahrani, “A textile made from sheep’s wool and goat hair is placed under the millstone to collect the ground flour.” He added that the coarseness of the grains can be precisely controlled to suit various popular dishes, such as porridge (Asida).
The millstone used to be an essential component of daily life and cooking habits in Al-Baha, reflecting innovation and ingenious engineering. However, it is no longer a part of daily life. It only appears in festivals that revive heritage and old traditions and display old household items to the younger generations.
The Dar Festival, in its second edition, lasts for 20 days. It features entertainment, cultural, and tourist events inspired by Al-Baha environment and legacy. The Festival presents various shows inspired by Al-Baha’s heritage, with the aim of promoting tourism and introducing the region’s history and heritage.