The Bahrain National Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts organised into various galleries (rooms). We make our way there along Government Avenue after exploring some of the other sights of The Kingdom of Bahrain for the morning. There are a few interesting things along the way, this camel (below) an art installation, several of which can be found around the city and great views of the Bahrain World Trade Centre (below).
The remainder of Government Avenue is not particularly scenic to walk along and we navigate the pedestrian crossings at the intersection with the Al-Fateh Highway with caution. The museum itself is set back from the highway with nice grounds. The forecourt has some interesting art and I particularly like the wooden sculpture in the forecourt near the entrance.
The rooms of the gallery are self explanatory: rooms like graves, customs & traditions, trades & crafts and documents and manuscripts. Unfortunately the burial room is closed off today so I start with the seals.
I’m quite amazed to learn that sealing practices existed as early as 4,000 BC. Most of these seals are small, the size of a small coin, but were widely used on official documents to certify authenticity. A less familiar use might have been to attach to goods or building gates, also to certify authenticity or ownership.
Dilmun refers to both an ancient civilisation and an area in the Persian Gulf. Today this area incorporates Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and parts of Saudi Arabia. During the 2nd millennium BC, Dilmun was a fast growing trade route, requiring its own seals. This led to standardization of the seal, with Dilmun seals being distinguished by their unique iconographic repertoire. They depict significant aspects of life in Dilmun, providing insights into life at the time, particularly economic and social conditions.
Many of the seals have simple motifs dominated by bulls, antelopes, goats, lions, birds scorpions and human figures. The seals have been found across the Middle East, a testament to extent of their use and usefulness.
The copper bull head (below) was found under the floor of a temple (the Second Barbar Temple). Originally part of a wooden box that housed a harp, it is thought to have been used in special and religious ceremonies. The harp and wooden box with the bull’s head was common in Mesopotamia and the Dilmun areas.
These small drills and chisels (with bone handles) were found in Madinat Hamad cemetery (Bahrain) and Fallaka (Kuwait). It’s possible these were used to carve the seals as tools like these have been found along with seals in many settlements and burial sites.
There are many interesting artifacts. These bowls (above) have cracks and chips yet the colors are vibrant and the patterns intact. The stone (below) is inscribed with the words (as translated):
The Lord said “the mosques of God shall be visited and maintained by such as believe in God and the last day”. And Prophet Mohamed, peace be upon him, said “the Lord shall build a house in Paradise for him who builds a mosque for the Lord”… this honorable, blessed mosque, Master, Ideal…. Falah Ben… in the month of Shaaban in the year 824 Hijri [1421 AD].
The documents and manuscripts room has many books and papers. A lot of them appear to the the Quran, many are illustrated with beautiful drawings and colors. Some are just intricate script on fragile paper. It’s all interesting and it all has a story and a history.
The customs and traditions are set out in a room like a souk. There are figures dressed in local costume and fashioned at local and traditional tasks. Many of these would have been mundane daily necessities like cooking and looking after children, weaving, embroidery and other crafts.
Fabrics would likely have been traded but the intricate detail of this tarra embroidery is a local tradition.
A model shows the design of wind towers and explains how the breeze is funneled through the tower to cool the lower levels of the structure.
After a bit more exploring it’s time to head off. Jason lost interest a while ago and I retrieve him from the cafe. He’s finished his coffee. We grab a taxi to head back to the ship, passing the distinctive features of the Isa Cultural Centre and Al-Fateh Mosque on the way back towards the port.
The museum might not be one of the biggest but it does shed a light on the ancient civilsation of Dilmun that populated the area, their trade, lifestyle and customs. It’s also a great contrast to Al Qalah and the site of the fort as it puts into perspective the customs and traditions of the people that lived there.
Would I Return?Yes. Perhaps not directly to the museum as there are many other interesting sites to visit including the Aali Burial Mounds, the Dilmun Burial Grounds and the Sh.Salman bin Ahmed Fort.