Bahrain’s historic heritage exhibited in the United States

Meridian International

Centre and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), along with the Embassy of Bahrain, launched A Tale of Two Seas: From Dilmun to Bahrain, a widely anticipated cultural diplomacy exhibition that took Bahraini heritage to the United States for the first time.

The project debuts the bilateral cultural relations between the United States and Bahrain, with a signed Memorandum of Understanding between Meridian and BACA.

The exhibition brought Bahrain’s long-standing heritage and vibrant culture to American audiences. With over 6,000 years of history, Bahrain has a distinctive culture within the Gulf region.

From Dilmun to modern Bahrain, through the different historical eras, the island produced an original culture and a unique way of life.

The exhibition includes 4000-year-old steatite stamp seals, which underscore the cultural dominance of Bahrain, the ancient capital of the Dilmun civilization. It also illustrates the history of Bahrain’s pearling industry – which, until the discovery of oil in 1930s, determined every aspect of life on the island.

Beyond archaeological

artifacts and historical images, A Tale of Two Seas also included a contemporary art installation. A collection of thobs, traditional Bahraini costumes, reflects Bahrainis’ expertise in the use of form, colour, fabric, and embroidery.

Their beauty, brilliant colours and ingenuity of decoration are captured and showcased through the work of Bahraini documentary photographer, Haya Al Khalifa.

President of BACA, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said the international exposition of

Bahraini culture strengthens bridges and breaks barriers between people.

Bahraini envoy to US Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, stated, “The vast potential for intercultural collaboration between Bahrain and the United States is an encouraging bridge between our two nations.”

The exhibition is open to the public for free from 2pm to 5pm at Meridian’s Cafritz Galleries, located at 1624 Crescent Place, NW. It will close on November 8.