MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) – The exhibition “Oman: the Jewel of the East. Crafts Heritage” from the collection of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman opened in the National Art Museum of Belarus on 19 September, BelTA has learned.
This large-scale project will mark another significant stage of Belarus-Oman cooperation, Belarus Culture Minister Yuri Bondar said. Last year, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman hosted the exhibition Belarus at the Crossroads of Civilizations prepared by the National History Museum of Belarus. The exhibition showcased Belarusian culture and demonstrated Belarus' historical link with the Islamic world and the traditional tolerance to Islam in Belarus which is of great importance in modern times. From 31 March till 3 April 2018, a delegation of the Belarusian Culture Ministry visited Oman on the invitation of Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Oman Minister of Heritage and Culture and a member of the Omani royal family. The delegation met with Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, heads of the Royal Opera House Muscat, and Omani artists and businessmen.
“We discussed possible implementation of certain Belarusian-Omani projects in culture. The exhibition we have opened today is the result of our agreements,” Yuri Bondar said. “This exhibition reflects the nation's culture, its past and present, the way of life and national character of the Omani people. This unique project indicates a special relationship, respect, and friendship between Belarus and Oman,” he added.
Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority of the Sultanate of Oman Dr. Hamad Al-Dhawyani thanked the National Art Museum of Belarus for inviting the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman as a guest of honor to events timed to the 80th anniversary of the National Art Museum of Belarus. “The exhibition we have opened today showcases our unique civilization, cultural heritage, history, and achievements in science, art, and social sphere,” he said.
Director General of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman Jamal Al Moosawi said that the Omani delegation is set to hold several educational events timed to the 80th anniversary of the Belarusian museum. “We are particularly eager to work with Belarusian children and we have drawn up a program of events for October-January. All joint projects of our countries reflect our desire to make the peoples of Oman and Belarus more familiar with each other's culture. In 2020, we will organize the Days of Belarusian Culture in Oman,” he noted.
The exhibition features over a hundred items which demonstrate the works of local craftsmen. The exhibition displays traditional tableware for serving food and famous Omani coffee and other items necessary for the ancient ritual of welcoming guests, as well as carpets from camel wool and other items woven by local artisans.
Moreover, the exhibition showcases various censers and rose water sprinklers which introduce visitors to the culture of scent. Khanjars, traditional Omani daggers are also on show. Making these daggers is one of the most complex Omani crafts. Other exhibits include traditional costumes, jewelery, ceremonial weapons, and other handicrafts. These items not only serve various purposes but also reflect individual and common values of the Omani people.
Yekaterina Dasko, manager of the project, junior researcher of the department of Russian and foreign art of the museum, stressed that the museum is proud and honored to host such an exhibition because Oman rarely displays its heritage and is still insufficiently explored. “All the exhibits were made by the best Omani artisans,” she said. “These traditional crafts are still alive, people wear such clothes and accessories. I would recommend to visit the exhibition several times and closely study all ornaments, adornments and details of necklaces, fabrics, dresses in order to understand and explore Omani culture in depth,” Yekaterina Dasko added.
The exhibition will stay open till 19 January.
The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman was founded in 2013. It is the largest cultural institution of the Sultanate of Oman which demonstrates the national heritage spanning from the earliest settlement in the territory of Oman (around 2 million years ago) and until the present day. The museum is situated in the heart of Oman's capital Muscat. The total area of its building is 13,700 m2. Out of this, 4,000 m2 is allocated for 14 permanent expositions and over 400 m2 for temporary exhibitions. The museum operates an educational center to work with school and university students, restoration laboratories, and a cinema hall to show documentaries about cultural heritage of Oman.
