More than 160 rare artefacts from Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani’s private collection are being showcased at an exclusive exhibition in Doha.

 

The ‘Travelling Through Arts and Times’ exhibition, which will run till March 27 at the Carnegie Mellon University, has on display a set of gold Qatari jewellery, a seven-metre wooden model pearl fishing boat and four vintage cars, at.

 

It is a collaboration between the Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani Museum and Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar to mark the 10th anniversary of its campus in Education City, said a statement.

 

The exhibition is showcasing the richness of Qatari and Islamic culture, heritage and civilisation and is laid out in three sections, focusing on rare Islamic manuscripts, Islamic art and Qatari heritage, said a statement.

 

The ‘Aspects of Qatari heritage’ exhibit highlights an ornate set of solid gold jewellery, which includes a necklace, belt, earrings and bracelets, from the 1920s, which was locally made and belonged to a Qatari noble woman.

 

Also on display is a unique, seven-metre long wooden model of a Jalbut, the most common type of pearl fishing vessel in Qatari waters. The model was commissioned by a Sheikha and at half-real size, is one of its kind, said the statement.

 

The ‘Islamic Art Collection’ features 64 objects of ceramic and metal, carpets and rare Islamic coins, dating from the very early Islamic period of the seventh century through to the early 20th century.

 

A mid-seventh century golden dinar coin with three standing imperial figures, representing the Byzantine emperor Heraclius and his two sons Heraclius Constantine and Heraklonas, is one of the highlights of this collection. 

 

The collection of manuscripts, under the theme ‘Manuscripts: Reflecting the Past, illuminating the Future’, features items from across the Arab and Islamic world. 

 

In addition to religious manuscripts, the collection also displays manuscripts reflecting science, philosophy and spiritual matters. 

 

The visitors can also view the four vintage cars in front of the entrance to Carnegie Mellon University’s main building – a 1939 Studebaker Champion; a 1939 Ford, a 1947 Cadillac convertible and a Ford Crown Victoria, 1955-56.

 

“This exhibition from my private collection offers an exclusive opportunity to view rare and culturally significant artefacts that reflect the richness of Qatari and Islamic culture, history and heritage throughout the ages. Many of these items – such as the gold jewellery, vintage cars and Islamic coins – are on public display for the first time,” said Sheikh Faisal.

 

“The artefacts we have chosen to display my fascination with the past and our heritage and how historical struggles and accomplishments have shaped our current culture and identity.  The exhibition echoes the theme of Evolution into the future: A Journey from the past, for Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar’s 10th anniversary celebrations,” he said.

 

Dean Ilker Baybars of Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, said: ““These precious Qatari heritage exhibits, centuries-old manuscripts and rare Islamic art pieces augment our anniversary as we pay tribute to Qatar’s past history and future development.  We are delighted that such admirable artefacts can be viewed not only by our students and international visitors, but by all Qatar residents.” - TradeArabia News Service