Traditional cradles a big hit in Najran

Mothers in Najran still use traditional cradles called mizab to put their babies to sleep. This has been the practice in the region over the past many centuries. The cradle is made from leather and palm branches.
Mizab is a gift item to the newborn given by close relatives. Parents also make sure that their baby gets the best mizab.
Muhammad Saad Al-Badidi, a trader of leather goods at a traditional souk in west Najran told the Saudi Press Agency, that a mizab made of pure tanned goat hide is normally 85-cm-long and 45-cm-wide. Wooden pieces supported by the palm leaf stalk are used to keep the cradle protected from both sides. The leather will protect the baby from any external factors such as sun, dust, heat and cold. The edges of the leather cover are embroidered in intricate style while tapes made of leather are hung at the sides of the cradle. A soft noise, which induces the baby to sleep, is also produced when the cradle is swung from side to side. The inside of the cradle is designed in cylindrical shape remotely resembling a mother’s belly. It also protects the baby from falling out when some abrupt movements are made.
An aperture in the lower part of the device allows urine to flow out.
A mizab ranges between SR 500 and SR1,500 depending on the quality of the leather and the embroidery work.