DOHA: Changing the centuary-old concepts of pearl formation, the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) will open its second temporary exhibition "Pearls," tomorrow, coinciding with the beginning of Doha's celebrations as Capital of Arab Culture -2010. H H Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned is expected to inaugurate the three-month long unique cultural journey into the realm of pearls.
"Pearls is a tribute to the sacrifice of our forefathers who depended on exporting pearls to the rest of the world to sustain their economy," said Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammad Al Thani, Vice Chairman of Qatar Museums Authority. "After a year of the establishment of the MIA, we are proud to be achieving regional and international recognition as a cultural centre of excellence."
The exhibition showcasing over 300 artefacts and art works involving pearls will change the prevailing opinion on the formation of pearls.
"Pearls are not formed around a grain of sand. The formation of a natural pearl is the result of an accidental occurrence within the normal life cycle of a mollusk. All shells can form pearls and have been found all around the world, up to the polar circle," said Dr Hubert Bari, Curator of gems and jewellery, MIA.
The exhibition is made up of seven sections, covering different aspects such as: pearl formation, importance of pearl diving in the history of the Arabian Gulf region and the influence of pearls on jewellery and design throughout history. In addition, a special book offering a brilliant insight into the mysterious world of pearls has been published.
To complement "Pearls," the Education Centre at the Museum of Islamic Art will be holding special sessions including art workshops, lectures and seminars. In addition, a workbook for children on pearls has been published to be handed out to children who visit the exhibition.
© The Peninsula 2010
