From December 14, 2022 to June 7, 2023 everyone is invited to visit the exhibition titled “Omani Civilization: History and Development”. It is being held by Sharjah Archaeology Museum in collaboration with the Oman National Museum. The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The main aim of the show is to bring attention to the strong cultural and historical bonds between the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. It also lets one learn about the life of the original inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula until the rise of Islam.
“Omani Civilization: History and Development” showcases more than 100 different artifacts; they are displayed for the first time outside the Oman National Museum. There are such items like fishing gear, weapons, clay and stone pots, ornaments, stamps, jewelry, and farm equipment.
The show is divided into three sections:
The first one is “Stone Age (125000 – 4000 B.C.)”. Here, stone tools like fishing gear which date back to 125000 years are on display. For example, visitors can have a look at a tablet with a cuneiform inscription dating back to the period between 2000 – 2100 BC. On the table, there is a list of materials needed to build boats that sailed from Ur, a city in Mesopotamia (Iraq), to Magan (Oman).
The second section, “Bronze Age (3100 – 1300 B.C.)”, features bronze objects: fishing tackle, axes, jewelry, which includes rare golden beads, stamps, soft stone pots, local and imported pottery. One of the most notable items in this collection is a golden necklace made during the period between 300 B.C. and 400 A.D.
The third section is dedicated to the Iron Age and the last centuries preceding Islam (1200 B.C. – 600 AD.). Visitors are welcome to look at a special collection of stone artifacts that lets them see the evolution of the soft stone industry. An array of rare copper and silver daggers, bronze arrowheads, and axes are also exhibited.
Apart from enjoying the exhibition itself, guests can take part in interactive and educational activities such as workshops, which introduce them to the ancient period’s bronze, copper, and iron industries. In the Cuneiform Writing Simulation workshop, teens (13-17 years of age) will immerse themselves in the ancient Omani civilisation in Magan. Among the workshops for adults there are pictograph, dot art, and jewelry and dagger making. Some of the activities are designed specially for people with disabilities.
You can find more info about the exhibition on its official web page.
You may be also interested in visiting Miraj Islamic Art Centre.
