At the ‘Muscat Nights’ events held at Al Amerat Public Park, the heritage exhibition curated by Abu Hamad Marhoon bin Khalifa Al Bassami stands as a testament to Oman’s rich history and culture.
A prominent Omani craftsman with decades of experience, Al Bassami's exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to delve into the ancient traditions of Oman, presented through a collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.
The exhibition serves as an integrated museum, with meticulously organised collections that include traditional weapons, agricultural tools, household items and pottery. Items such as rifles, daggers and swords — some more than 200 years old — are prominently displayed, along with spears dating back over 3,000 years. These pieces are not just relics; they are part of Oman’s memory, showcasing the evolution of the nation’s history.
In addition to weapons, the exhibition showcases agricultural tools used by ancient Omanis, such as the manjoor, copper bucket, plough and qaraz, providing insight into the daily lives of Omani farmers. Pottery and copper vessels, some 300 years old, as well as ancient women's jewelry like banajiri and silver rings, highlight the diversity and wealth of Omani culture.
Aisha al Harthi, a visitor, shared her admiration for the well-organised display: “I was impressed by the way the collections were displayed, as you can move between different periods and understand the development that life in Oman has gone through.”
The exhibition also includes musical pieces such as the santur (bashtakhta), used to play old records and the copper bargam, a bell made from an ibex horn. Other rare items on display include ancient coins and stamps from the early days of the Al Busaidy family, as well as camel shoulder bones used in Quranic education.
Mohammed bin Salem, another visitor, commented: “What attracts me in the Al Bassami Exhibition is not only the rare collectibles but the way these pieces are displayed, telling stories from the past. I felt like I was transported through time.”
Al Bassami’s journey into heritage collection began in his youth as a hobby, but in 1989, he decided to formalise this passion into an organised project. Since then, he has participated in numerous local and international forums, becoming a key figure in preserving Omani cultural identity and passing on this knowledge to younger generations.
Al Bassami himself says, “I started collecting heritage pieces as a hobby, but it turned into a great passion over time. Through my exhibition, I aim to revive Omani heritage and present it to the world in a way that reflects the greatness and richness of this history.” He invites everyone to explore his exhibition: “I invite everyone to visit the exhibition and enjoy a journey through time to discover the splendor of Omani heritage. Each piece here carries a unique story that deserves to be told.”
The Abu Hamad Al Bassami Exhibition at Muscat Nights is more than a mere display of artifacts. It is a bridge between Oman’s past and present, offering an immersive experience of the nation’s cultural legacy.
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