The traditional crafts of Oman, its handicraft heritage are a striking feature of the culture of the nation, its past and present, the country’s way of life and the cultural qualities including faith in Islam, a variety of cultures coexisting together, hospitality, generosity and unity that the people are famous for.
More than a hundred artifacts of the exhibition ‘Oman: the Jewel of the East. Crafts Heritage’ from the collection of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman will present the artworks by Oman craftsmen and allow the museum’s visitors to touch its culture, customs and traditions.
Hospitality is the main feature of the Omani people. It goes back centuries: a hearty welcome is still a social and religious virtue. The exhibition will demonstrate traditional ware for serving food and famous Omani coffee, items for the ancient ritual of treating the guest.
One of the traditional crafts in small upland villages of the western Hajar Mountains is weaving. The exhibition will display traditional camel hair carpets and other products woven by local craftsmen.
The most versatile of all Omani crafts is the production of Hanjar daggers, including steel, wood, horn, fabric, leather and numerous silver processing methods. The Hanjar dagger consists of a hilt, a blade, scabbard and a belt, each of which is made separately and as a complex ensemble.
A number of exhibits will introduce the culture of fragrance. A variety of incense burners and rose water sprinklers will be displayed.
The exhibition will feature traditional costumes, jewelry, ceremonial weapons and other handicrafts. These artifacts have a practical importance, and they present the nation’s aesthetics, etiquette, religion and self-expression.
The exhibition ‘Oman: the Jewel of the East. Crafts Heritage’ from the collection of the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman will be the presentation of one of the largest eastern museums in the Republic of Belarus. The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is an Honored Guest on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the National Art Museum of the Republic of Belarus.
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The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman was founded in 2013. The museum is the largest cultural institution of the Sultanate of Oman, demonstrating the nation’s heritage from the earliest settlement on the Oman peninsula (about two million years ago) to the present day.
The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman was officially proclaimed by the Royal Decree No.62/2013, issued on the 16th of the month of Muharram 1435 AH (November 20, 2013, respectively), as a juridical party with financial and administrative independence, a right of possession and controlling of Omani cultural heritage values.
The museum is located in a specially designed nice building in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The total area of the building is 13,700 square meters, including 4,000 square meters allocated for 14 permanent galleries and more than 400 square meters are reserved for temporary exhibitions.
