Archaeologists from neighbouring countries gathered in the Bahrain National Museum to showcase and discuss the latest discoveries uncovered in their respective nations.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) two-day ‘GCC Archaeological Heritage: Between Discovery and Preservation’ seminar highlighted the shared cultural legacy of the Arabian Gulf, with further presentations to be held today.
The forum, attended by specialists in their fields of study, also welcomed curious members of the public to attend, listen in and ask questions.
“We in the GCC are connected historically, socially and geographically,” Baca director general of antiquities Dr Salman Al Mahari told the GDN. “The Dilmun civilisation, which was once in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, had very strong ties with the ancient Magan civilisation of modern-day Oman and the UAE.
“The purpose of these forums is to strengthen these already-deep bonds through archaeology and to enable further collaboration between countries.
“There is a need for comparative studies between our histories and findings, so we can arrive at a greater shared heritage. These scientific gatherings facilitate the search for common factors.”
Experts from all six Gulf countries were able to share ongoing research and compare approaches to documenting, protecting and preserving archaeological heritage.
Findings in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar were showcased, while an archaeologist from Sharjah demonstrated the incorporation of augmented reality (AR) for educational purposes.
Prominent topics include inter-GCC co-operation and the use of technology both in the field and for the promotion and proliferation of history-related information.
In total 17 speakers were at the forum, attracting around 60 participants and interested parties.
“By inviting members of the public, our goal is to not limit access to the information to just experts,” Mr Al Mahari added. “We have a broader aim to involve the public, so the knowledge reaches the widest possible audience.”
As part of the conference, Bahrain Team archaeologist Mashael Al Shamsi revealed the results of excavations of the Hilla Site, named after the village of Hillat Abdul Saleh.
Belonging to the Late Islamic Period, the site, located approximately 250 metres from Bahrain Fort, mostly contains ruins of residential buildings from the era.
Finds include two adult skeletons and three infants, along with a collective grave from the Middle Dilmun period, dating to between 1450 to 1350 BCE (3,375 to 3,475 years ago).
A pottery head, or a faience mask, was also found on the site, along with kohl applicators, needles, rings and thousands of beads made from seashells, pearl, agate and ostrich eggs.
Meanwhile, Kuwaiti archaeologist Dr Hasan Ashkanani gave a presentation about the commonalities between remains of the Dilmun Civilisation in Kuwait and Bahrain.
He also spoke about the use of spectroscopic analysis – which allows scientists to determine the composition of an object based on how it interacts with light – in archaeology.
After nine presentations, the experts went on a field visit to Qal’at Al Bahrain and its museum.
Today, the conference will see two experts from Saudi, two from Qatar, and one each from Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain. A field visit to Khamis Mosque and the Saar Archaeological Site will be conducted afterwards.
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