Mal Lawal 3: Collecting as a Family Practice
Collecting in Qatar can be considered a family practice.
Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Shaikh's collection, a circa 1950s Philips TV, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
Family Matters
Passed down from generation to generation, family collections document the different eras and the different objects that physically reflect the family dynamic. Each generation adds its own character to the family collection.
Ibrahim Mohamed Al Shaikh
Almost 50 years ago, Ibrahim M. Al Shaikh was encouraged by his father to start collecting antiquities and books related to the history of the Arabian Gulf.
Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Shaikh's collection, a selection of typewriters at Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Al Shaikh's private museum, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
Al Shaikh’s collection is now on display in a small museum within his home.
Salem M. Al Ansari
Salem M. Al Ansari was captivated by the stories he heard from his elderly relatives. They would describe their lives in the past and discuss the objects found in their houses.
Mr. Salem Mohammed Al Ansari's collection, a view of Al Ansari's collection at his majlis, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
Today, he has a large collection of heritage objects that includes objects from his grandparents’ collections.
The Saoud Abdulaziz Al Ali Family
Saoud A. Al Ali collects Qatari heritage objects, Amna Y. Al Kuwari collects international sewing machines, while Fatima S. A. Al Ali focuses on old cameras, including dignitaries’ gifts and pilgrimage ones.
The Saoud Abdulaziz Al Ali family's collection, a view of the family's private museum, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
The Saoud A. Al Ali Family displays their collection in their private museum.
Abdulla Mohamed Al Heidous Family
The Abdulla M. Al Heidous Family has been collecting for decades. Their collection includes weapons and everyday objects from the Arabian Gulf.
The Abdulla Mohamed Al Heidous family's collection, daggers from the collection of the Al Heidous family, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
They display them in their private museum.
The Abdulla Mohamed Al Heidous family's collection, profile photo, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
Collecting is a family practice, and they aim to record their family history through it.
Abdulaziz Abdulrahim Al Sayed Family
Abdulaziz A. Al Sayed and his family collect a variety of objects related to Qatari and Arab heritage. Coming from a family of scholars, Al Sayed likes to research his objects and understand their stories.
The Abdulaziz Abdulrahim Al Sayed family collection, a view of the family's private museum, (2020) by Sixty DegreesNational Museum of Qatar
He even exhibits his objects in an effort to introduce Qatari and Arabic heritage to the younger generations. His son, Hussein, also collects hunting and falconry objects. He started his collection after Al Sayed gifted him his first object.
