Muscat Nights festival offers a captivating blend of attractions, but this year, the exceptional weather has added a special charm to the event.
Al Amerat Public Park has become a hub of activity, hosting stage shows, exhibition tents, a Heritage Corner, traditional food, and much more, drawing a steady flow of visitors daily.
For those seeking a cultural journey, the Market of Artisans offers a unique experience. Here, visitors can witness the craftsmanship of silversmiths, carpenters, and wood and leather artisans.
Among them is Islam al Araimi, who builds exquisite miniature ships that have become prized collector’s items.
Speaking to the Observer, a tourist remarked, “I’ve set my mind on this ship — it will make a fantastic gift. I just need to figure out the packing to take it home.”
The market also features a shop specialising in Omani musical instruments. Khamis al Rushaidi creates handmade drums, including the traditional standing drums and a rare treasure: the conch shell trumpet. Known locally as Jim or Yim, the conch shell is one of the world’s oldest musical instruments.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Shihi, from the Wilayat of Khasab, Musandam Governorate, shared its significance: “The size of the hole on the shell determines the sound - the wider the hole, the louder the tone, and softer when narrower.”
The history of this instrument is well-documented, with the National Museum showcasing its origins. The earliest conch shells used as musical instruments were discovered at the Ras Al Hamra archaeological site in Muscat Governorate, dating back to 5000-4000 BCE (Late Stone Age).
According to the museum's display: “Among all the large shells uncovered over the grave coverings at Ras Al Hamra, a few were carefully perforated on the spiral zone to serve as horns or trumpets. They were blown during funeral ceremonies and abandoned on graves afterward. Ethnographic evidence from the Mediterranean to Polynesia indicates similar use of large gastropods as trumpets in funerary rites.”
Today, the conch shell continues to hold a revered place in Omani folk music, particularly in Maidan performances by folklore bands. Beyond its musical legacy, the conch shell is also believed to offer therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress, improving breathing and enhancing lung function.
The conch's universal appeal is highlighted by institutions like the Met Museum, which states, “Although it has always served as a very effective signalling device and was often used as a war trumpet, the conch achieved exalted status as a sacred instrument.”
Muscat Nights festival not only entertains, but also enriches visitors with glimpses of Oman’s rich heritage and traditions.
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