The National Museum of Oman is participating in the digital exhibition ‘The Table is Ready: Food Traditions and Legacies in the Islamic World,’ launched on the Islamic Art page of the Museum Without Borders website. This digital initiative is part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to promote Omani cultural heritage globally.
The exhibition showcases a selection of artefacts that reflect Oman’s rich traditions of hospitality and generosity, with a particular focus on Omani copperware. Items such as copper pots used for cooking rice, wheat, and dates, along with hospitality tools like the siniya (serving tray for Omani coffee) and the sahla (handwashing vessel), highlight the country’s centuries-old practices in food preparation and serving.
Other highlights include bukhoor containers, which were traditionally used to store frankincense and incense, and the dallah, the elegantly designed Omani coffee pot. Arabic coffee, an essential aspect of Omani hospitality, is also featured in the exhibition and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. The display also emphasizes Oman’s traditions of using perfume, incense burners, and marash (rose water sprinklers) to refresh guests during gatherings, further underscoring the nation’s deep-rooted hospitality customs.
The digital exhibition offers a unique advantage: global accessibility. Audiences from around the world can explore Oman’s cultural heritage without geographical or financial barriers. The platform eliminates the logistical challenges of transporting and preserving fragile artefacts, allowing viewers to zoom in on images for a closer look at intricate details.
Museum Without Borders is a digital platform that fosters cultural understanding and communication by providing virtual access to diverse artistic and historical collections. Through this collaboration, the National Museum of Oman continues to share its rich traditions with a global audience, ensuring that its cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.
