Press releases

18 Sep 2019

Exhibition of Omani crafts goes on view in Minsk

Photo from the archive

MINSK, 12 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.

The exhibition features over a hundred items which demonstrate the works of local craftsmen and tell visitors about Oman’s culture, customs, and traditions. 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.

“The crafts heritage of this country reflects the nation’s culture, its past and present, the way of life and national character, which includes the common Islam faith, the diversity of cultures existing side by side, hospitality, generosity, and unity,” said Yekaterina Dasko, manager of the project, junior researcher of the department of Russian and foreign art of the museum.

The exhibition will be on view till 19 January.

The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a distinguished guest at events timed to the 80th anniversary of the National Art Museum of Belarus.

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.