100 objects that define world history

‘A History of the World in 100 Objects' exhibition An exhibition that captures the history of the world through 100 compelling objects will soon open at the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects' exhibition will feature personal objects such as a Chinese jade hair ornament (dated about 3,500BC, bird-shaped pestle from Papua New Guinea (dated 6,000 – 2,000BC), Hebrew astrolabe (dated AD1345–1355) from Spain, and other objects that represent the surviving relics of lost civilisations.
The exhibition will allow visitors to travel back in time and across the globe to explore how humans have shaped the world and been shaped by it.
The exhibition, to be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat from April 23 to August 1, is the third in a series leading up to the grand opening of the Zayed National Museum in 2016. It is organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in collaboration with the British Museum.
Precious objects
"It is with great anticipation that we welcome some of the world's most precious objects to Abu Dhabi for ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects' exhibition, which come together to illustrate a history of humanity,” Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi, said.
"This exhibition, the latest in a series of major public exhibitions leading to the opening of Zayed National Museum, is another important milestone in Abu Dhabi's developing cultural scene, as it builds momentum and inspires interest in the museum, whilst placing the history of the UAE and its cultural significance within the context of the world,” he added.
In line with some of the themes that will define Zayed National Museum such as, faith and Islam, people and heritage, and science and learning, this exhibition will help visitors discover more about humanity and the progress of human life.
The exhibition also explores several important objects from the Middle East and the UAE; elements from cattle farming in northern Iraq in 5600–5200BC, an object from the famous ancient Middle Eastern city of Ur; another that demonstrates the spread of Islam in the 7th century and a modern foot-controlled car invented by Emirati students that changes lives of disabled drivers.
Running alongside the exhibition will be a public programme of workshops, tours and seminars including an opening panel titled ‘Unlocking Objects' with Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum, on April 22 at 6.30pm.
For further details please visit www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae or call +971 (0) 2 657 5800.
Source: Gulf News