Unique 100-day exhibition to depict world history

Abu Dhabi, March 27 (IANS/WAM) From the Chinese Jade Hair Ornament to the Bird-shaped Pestle from Papua New Guinea, 100 objects depicting world history will be displayed in a unique 100-day exhibition, starting next month, to be held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Being organised by Tourist and Cultural Authority (TCA) Abu Dhabi, the event will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District and will run from April 23 to Aug 2.

It is the third in a series of major exhibitions leading to the opening of the Zayed National Museum in 2016.

Inspired by a popular BBC Radio 4 series, ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’, the exhibition will capture both the history of the world and the significant role the Middle East has played in it through a vivid display of compelling objects.

“It is with great anticipation that we welcome some of the world’s most precious objects to Abu Dhabi for the ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’ exhibition, which come together to illustrate a history of humanity,” Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said Wednesday while announcing the holding of the exhibition.

Among the objects that will be on display is the Chinese Jade Hair Ornament, that was used to hold a hair bun, or topknot, in place.

Also on display will be objects that were made for whole communities to use, like the Bird-shaped Pestle from Papua New Guinea.

The Hebrew Astrolabe from Spain that will be showcased was designed to advance human understanding of the world.

The Mexican Huastec Sculpture represents the surviving relic of a lost civilisations.

Allowing visitors to travel back in time and across the globe, people can explore how humans have shaped the world, and been shaped by it.

“Objects have a tremendous power and ability to tell stories, in many instances they are the only evidence we have for certain cultures so these kinds of temporary exhibitions, and indeed the permanent displays in Zayed National Museum, are hugely important to aid our understanding of the world,” Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, said.

Running alongside the exhibition will be a full public programme of workshops, tours and seminars.

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