Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates 'largest-ever' exhibition of UAE

Sharjah Archaeology Museum in partnership with Institut Francais in the UAE, and support of UNESCO today opened an exhibition that celebrates a 40-year partnership with French archaeologists to unearth the hidden secrets of the UAE’s past.

The exhibition was inaugurated by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Ludovic Pouille, French Ambassador to the UAE. The exhibition was attended by Manal Ataya, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Authority along with officials from the French Embassy and a number of guests.

Titled '40 Years of Emirati – French Archaeological Cooperation', the exhibition features more than 100 priceless objects excavated by the French Archaeological Mission to the UAE since it began its work in 1977. The vast collection of objects, including intricately-decorated pottery, jewelry, incense burners, and weaponry, is hugely significant in shedding light on the UAE’s role as a cradle of civilisation and centre of trade routes over some 7,500 years.

Running until to 31st January 2018, the exhibition celebrates a historic partnership that has linked the UAE and France for 40 years. Over this period, teams led by the French Archaeological Mission have worked in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm al Quwain on the most significant excavations carried out in the country.

Manal Ataya said, "Cooperation between French and UAE archaeologists has been vital in reconstructing the ancient history of the UAE and the region as a whole."

"The excavations have revealed many treasures that provide us with significant knowledge of the past socio-economic habits of the people living here from the Neolithic to Islamic periods. For visitors, these discoveries present an incredible opportunity to learn about UAE history and heritage, and to understand the important role of archaeologists in discovering artefacts and sites that enrich our country’s identity," she added.

Commenting on the exhibition launch, Ludovic Pouille said, "It is with great pride that France has co-organised this event with the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, in collaboration with the authorities of the five Emirates where the French mission undertook searches, whom I sincerely thank. It is an honour to benefit from the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, whom I warmly thank, for this exhibition. I am also grateful to Dr. Sophie Mery, Director of the French Archaeological Mission, who assumed the role of commissioner of this exhibition with devotion and passion. Such an anniversary could not be celebrated without an exhibition of the discoveries that the collaboration between our two countries has made possible."

"I am delighted that this ambitious cultural and scientific project, of a federal nature, could be accomplished as this exhibition reveals the formidable work of the French and Emirati archaeologists who have zealously worked to understand and shed light on the great richness, originality, and variety of the Emirati archaeological past. For our common fight against extremism is more powerful through culture and education, it is my sincere wish that this exhibition will contribute to engaging the youth in the discovery of the rich Emirati history and encourage them to pursue professions in this field," he added.

Teams led by French archaeologists began excavations in 1977 at Jebel Hafit, Hili and Rumeilah in the Eastern region of Abu Dhabi emirate. In 1985, the work extended to sites in Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain and Ras al-Khaimah, and in 1999 to Fujairah. Working every year without interruption, they made a series of crucial discoveries, including objects that date as far back as the Neolithic period. These include flint arrow heads, mother-of-pearl fish hooks, painted pottery and items of jewelry made from shells.

Bronze Age objects featured in the exhibition include items of pottery created locally and elsewhere in the region, revealing the UAE’s importance as a centre of trade. Iron Age objects include a range of weapons, including copper arrow heads and a bronze dagger. Advancements in pottery are revealed by intricate incense burners and figurines.

Highlights from the late pre-Islamic period include silver coins, a bronze bull head, and a bronze plaque inscribed in Aramean. More recent Islamic Age discoveries feature a huge range of pottery and ceramic objects made locally and brought into the UAE from Iran, China and Thailand.

The exhibition is guest-curated by Dr. Sophie Mery, an archaeologist and ceramologist specialising in the early history of Arabia. Dr. Mery led the French Archaeological Mission in Abu Dhabi between 1995 and 1999, and since then has headed the French Archaeological Mission to the UAE.

Partner organisations include the Institut Francais in the UAE, the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority, the Department of Archaeology and Heritage – Umm Al Qaiwain, the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, the Department Of Culture And Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras al-Khaimah.