Bahrain’s archaeological riches showcased in Sharjah

Embassy Newsletter November 6 2014

Sharjah, Oct29(BNA)An exhibition showcasing Bahrain National Museum’s artifacts depicting the period spanning from 2000 BC to 300 AD today opened at Sharjah Archaeological Museum.

UAE Federal Supreme Council Member and Sharjah Ruler Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi patronised the opening ceremony, in the presence of Her Excellency the Minister of Culture.

The exhibition, which runs until March 29, 2015, is being held at provisional exhibition hall at Sharjah Archaeology Museum under the theme: ’Ancient Bahrain: The Power of Trade’ (2nd Millennium BC -3rd Century AD).

Sharjah Museums Department is holding the heritage exhibition in coordination with the Ministry of Culture in Bahrain.

Commenting on this event, the Minister of Culture said: “Our present is merely the continuation of a long history that our nations share. Our ancestors turned this coast into a harbor for civilization and this exhibition sheds new light on the historical significance of Bahrain’s contribution to humanity, and the Bahraini heritage as a part of the wider Gulf region”.

Exhibits are categorized in four main groups. These are: ‘Dilmun and Tylos, Centuries of Commerce and Prosperity’; ‘Dilmun: The Storage of the Gulf in the Bronze and Iron Ages (2000–500 BC)’; ‘Tylos, the Trade Routes Cross-Road (300–200 BC)’; and ‘Beyond Trade Influence: A Rich Local Culture’. The exhibition is a successful illustration of Dilmun and Tylos as prosperous markets on important marine trade routes.

The exhibition displays about 150 selected artifacts from the Bahrain National Museum’s permanent collection, including stone stamps, pottery, glassware, ivory, and alabaster kitchen pieces, in addition to golden pieces and stone exhibits that testify to the richness of the region’s trade activity during that era.