Riyadh: Before modern refrigeration, people across the Arabian Peninsula and other ancient civilizations relied on the qirbah (water skin) and the zeer (earthenware jar), two traditional methods for storing and naturally cooling drinking water. Typically made from meticulously cleaned and tanned animal hides, the qirbah served as a sealed vessel for storing and carrying water. When hung in air currents, it kept the water naturally cool. The qirbah is also known for imparting a distinctive flavor from the tanning materials, a taste that is still recalled today as the authentic water of the past.
According to Saudi Press Agency, acting as the "refrigerator" of its time, the qirbah was an essential household tool, often held on a special three-legged wooden stand crafted from local trees. Made from earthenware clay, the zeer employs evaporation for cooling, a simple model of environmental intelligence. Its porous clay allows water to seep to the surface; as this water evaporates, it draws heat from the interior, gradually lowering the water temperature to provide cool, refreshing water.
Both the qirbah and zeer represent a living cultural legacy that showcases the simplicity and innovation of our ancestors. They highlight humanity's ability to adapt to its environment and manage water using natural methods, a tradition still appreciated by heritage enthusiasts today.