22 January 2023
The National Museum Participates, with archeological artifacts in “Al-Madar” exhibition in the Islamic Arts Bienniale at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The National Museum is taking part in the “Al-Madar” exhibition, in the first Bienniale of Islamic Arts of its kind in the world, which is held at the Hajj Terminal in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The Bienniale is held till 23 April 2023, with the participation of (12) institutions from all over the world.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Prince Badr Abdullah Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, with the participation of HH Sayyid Faisal Turki Al Said, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and its Permanent Representative to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and His Excellency Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture, and His Excellency Jamal bin Hassan Al-Moosawi, Secretary- General of the National Museum.
The corner of the National Museum at the Biennale includes a selection of archaeological artifacts that embody the duality of harmony and contrast in the manifestations of Omani culture, which reflects a wonderful balance between simplicity and decoration.
The corner was divided into (4) sections, which are Dualism, Beauty in the void, Between two Realms, and the power of simplicity.
Dualism section includes samples of utensils from the archaeological site of "Hamasa" in al-Buraimi Governorate, in black and white colors, dating back to the period (9th century CE), carved stone tablet from al-Hijrah mosque, which dates back to the al-Yarubi Dynasty and is nearly four centuries old, and a tomb stone from the Dhofar Governorate dating back to the period (1696- 1697 CE).
Beauty in the void section includes a pen box dating back to the 18th century CE, a necklace with pendant (Sumt type) inscribed with the Ayat al-Kursi dating back to the 19th-mid 20th century AD, and a Noble Quran Manuscript dating the 2 nd of Rabi’ al-Awal 1295 AH. Between two Realms section includes a door with various inscriptions and Quranic verses. The power of simplicity section includes pieces of the glazed tiles of the ancient Qalhat Mosque, which date back to the period (14 th-15th CE), and two Roundel Stucco made of plaster dating back to the mid-20th century CE.