An exhibition featuring more than 400 artefacts associated with the numerous cemeteries of the Tylos period (second century BC to third century AD) opened in Bahrain yesterday (May 1).

The exhibition 'Tylos, The Journey Beyond Life' was inaugurated by Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa at the Bahrain National Museum.

The expo, running until May 31, is being held in line with the events of the month of Museums to celebrate Manama being named the Capital of Arab Culture 2012.

The exhibition will then travel to the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, Russia, next month before it goes to Moscow.

"This exhibition reflects an important period in the history of Bahrain, by examining the trajectory of life on the island 5,000 years ago," Shaikha Mai said at the opening ceremony.

"We are very pleased that the world-renowned State Hermitage Museum is hosting this exhibition in St Petersburg, in recognition of the importance of the archaeological findings on display and this particular period in ancient history," she added, praising the efforts of museum consultant Dr Nadine Boksmati.

This month reflects the Culture Ministry's efforts to promote the important social role of museums in the development of local communities.

Guest speakers during the expo include State Hermitage Museum director Prof Mikhail Piotrovsky and International Council of Museums (ICOM) president Dr Hans Hinz.

The Enkiru Bus Museum, a mobile expo based on the Tylos exhibition and designed for children aged seven to 11, will also tour the kingdom introducing the rich material culture of the past.

In co-operation with ICOM-Arab, the ministry has also organised a 12-day workshop for young museum professionals.

Designed to address different aspects of museum operations and development, the workshop will review best practices in a range of activities from inventory and documentation to marketing and education methods. – TradeArabia News Service