ANCIENT Dilmun symbols artistically portrayed in paintings went on display on yesterday as part of an exhibition held in celebration of Bahrain National Day.
Bahraini artist and historian Mahmood Al Baqlawa showcased his passion for the Dilmun symbols and motifs in his solo exhibition: ‘Symbols of Dilmun’, which opened at Art Concept Gallery in Manama.
His works represent ancient symbols, writings and beliefs that have shaped Bahrain’s ancient history.
Mr Al Baqlawa also held a specialised cuneiform writing workshop on Sunday on the sidelines of his exhibition which continues until December 31.
Cuneiform is a logo-syllabic script that was used to write several languages of the Ancient Middle East and it is named for the characteristic wedge-shaped impressions which form its signs.
“This series is a testimony of this land’s civilisation and homage to the craftsmen and seal-makers who transmitted their ideas, beliefs, lives and environment through creativity,” said Mr Al Baqlawa.
“These artworks mean a lot to me as a collector of heritage and culture materials and it’s a small starting point to preserve our heritage, just like archaeological sites must be preserved as prominent cultural landmarks.
“I personally seek, with my modest capabilities, to document some of the sites with pictures, notes and sampling in order to analyse and study these landmarks and preserve past life by deriving evidence of the place, its inhabitants and their work and art, beliefs and relationships, as well as traditions.”
According to Mr Al Baqlawa, the intellectual and cultural revolution that began in Dilmun – around 3,000 BC – resulted in various changes in the cognitive mind and behaviour of the ‘Dilmun Man’.
He added that this enabled them to shorten and translate their ideas, in addition to philosophical and doctrinal findings, into symbolic and pictorial abbreviations.
He highlighted that symbols have evolved in various artistic works – including seals and pottery – and components of society were reflected through colours, geometric shapes and images portrayed in them.
“This transformation came out of a necessity in a period that witnessed a rise in intellect and social stability,” added Mr Al Baqlawa. “Introducing a figurative and pictorial system became a fixed custom within the civilisation as it got introduced into their seals.
“For thousands of years, this has been integrated into the human activities of the Dilmun era to express their feelings and customs by transforming them into figurative symbols.
“Dilmun’s authentic heritage is apparent through all artefacts and seals discovered in various archaeological sites in Bahrain and these discoveries depict that thousands of years ago these symbols were used by individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, art and visions of society through small figurative sculptures.”
The exhibition will continue until the end of the year at the gallery which is open from Sunday to Thursday (10am to 2pm and 3pm to 6pm) and from 3pm to 7pm on Saturday.
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