UAE's ancient finds on display at Sharjah archaeology exhibition

Sharjah - Visitors will learn how archaeologists look for evidence of objects left by humans from thousands of years ago, including hunting tools, weapons, domestic goals and jewels

A Roman glass moulded bowl that originated in Dibba in AD100 and a number of gold beads that were dated back to the same period in Mleiha are just some of the ancient findings that will be on display at a Sharjah archaeology exhibition starting this month. The exhibition will be running for the next 12 months at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum.
The exhibition will also give visitors insight into how archaeologists go about excavating a site and documenting their finds. Displays reveal their scientific working methods, as well as the commonly used tools of the trade, including trowels, measuring instruments, and note books.
Archaeologists continue to reveal the way of ancient civilisations that are thousands of years old, including their culture and rituals, trade practices, social order, diet, and influence on pottery design, art and jewellery.
"We are delighted to open the Sharjah Archaeologists Exhibition and draw attention to a profession that has done so much to piece together Sharjah's ancient history," said Manal Ataya, director-general of the Sharjah Museums Department.
"Sharjah is proud to be home to Mleiha - one of the region's most important archaeological sites. Thanks to the incredible skills and dedication of teams of archaeologists, we have been able to paint a picture of the civilisations that lived and settled in this area over thousands of years," she said.
"Visitors will gain a thorough insight into the working life of an archaeologist, as well as witnessing some of their most important finds from this area. We aim to inspire a new generation to be the historians and archaeologists of tomorrow and continue unravelling the UAE's rich history."
The UAE's ancient history was largely undocumented until about 50 years ago when archaeologists began excavation works at key sites. The evidence they found indicates human activities taking place from some 125,000 years ago, according to the Sharjah Museums Department.
Visitors to the exhibition will learn how archaeologists look for evidence of objects left by humans from thousands of years ago, including hunting tools, weapons, domestic goals and jewels.
They also seek to uncover immovable objects as houses and tombs, and even the remains of plants and seeds.
The displays reveal the science behind excavating a site - how it is initially surveyed using photographs, maps and state-of-the-art monitoring devices.
Visitors will find out how items are marked with identification cards that show the discovery date and location, along with information including its shape and material. The steps taken to protect delicate finds - especially human skeletons from thousands of years ago - are also revealed.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com