Oman takes part in exhibition on archaeology of GCC

SHARJAH: Oman is participating in the 7th Joint Exhibition on the Archaeology of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf “Connect and Communicate”, hosted by Sharjah Archaeology Museum until February 22.

The exhibition will narrate the history of the Arabian Peninsula from the dawn of history until the modern era, through a variety of unique artefacts such as hunting tools and weapons, pottery and stone utensils, adornments, seals, jewellery and agricultural tools.

This diverse collection of artefacts from six countries (the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait) is displayed at Sharjah Archaeology Museum for the first time.

Each country will present artefacts that date back to different time periods and highlight the human settlement in the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf since the Stone Age. Different human migrations occupied the region and inhabitants lived on herding and gathering food. Archaeological discoveries have found that the inhabitants practiced agriculture, pottery, mining and other activities which helped them settle in the region in the Bronze Age, followed by the domestication of camels in the Iron Age, where the trade routes developed inside and outside the Arabian Peninsula. With the advent of Islam, the region became a springboard for its expansion, with the emergence of commercial and scientific centres that were closely linked with the rest of the Islamic World.

Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the exhibition on Wednesday, underscoring its significance in illuminating the common historical tapestry, cultural cohesion, and deep-rooted connections among the Gulf nations.

Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism showcases a captivating array of 25 archaeological treasures, including unique collectables making their debut appearance in international exhibitions.

Shaikh Dr Sultan al Qasimi explored the exhibition's displays that highlight the shared history, cultural unity, and the profound relationships among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and highlight the connections between these countries and the United Arab Emirates with a special emphasis on Sharjah.

The exhibition which is organised by Sharjah Museums Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Youth showcases an array of artefacts from six countries: the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The exhibition includes hunting instruments, weaponry, ceramic and stone implements, ornamental pieces, seals, personal adornments, and agricultural tools. The Ruler listened to a brief about the history of human evolution across the Gulf Cooperation Council nations from ancient times to the present, and about the Arabian Peninsula's central role in human settlement, culture, and trade. He also listened to a briefing about the region's advancements during the Neolithic Age, 7,000 years ago, particularly its interactions with Mesopotamia, leading to the adoption of new practices like the domestication of sheep, goats, and cattle, the use of coloured pottery, and specific burial practices.

During his exhibition tour, Shaikh Dr Sultan al Qasimi observed the evolution of agriculture in the third millennium BC, noting how it spurred the rise of advanced local civilisations notably Dilmun (encompassing areas of Bahrain, parts of Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) and Majan (Oman) which witnessed the establishment of residential settlements in oases and valleys, the development of handicrafts, and the creation of intricate trade networks that connected these settlements both internally and with regions like Mesopotamia and Sindh, leveraging the area's strategic position on the trade route.

Accompanying the exhibition, Sharjah Archaeology Museum is hosting a range of inclusive and engaging activities for visitors of all ages and abilities that are designed to complement the themes of the exhibition and offer unique, hands-on experiences.