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Tribune News Network
Doha
QATAR Museums (QM) recently commenced its second training programme for GCC archaeologists and museum professionals with a focus on the techniques used in making tools and weapons in the Stone Age.
Being held under the patronage of QM Chairperson HE Sheikha al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the training is slated to run at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) until March 23.
The training programme invites archaeologists and museum professionals from the GCC to learn about the history of human settlement in the Gulf, dating back to the prehistoric period, by exploring the different uses of weapons and their importance in tasks, including self-defence and food preparation.
The training programme titled 'Techniques of Making Weapons in the Stone Age', aims to educate participants on the history of weapons and their development over thousands of years.
Participants will gain useful insights into the history of people in the Gulf as well as a deeper understanding of the history of the region.
In his welcome address delivered in the presence of Faisal bin Ali al Hajri from the GCC Secretariat, Ali Jassim al Kubaisi, chief archaeology officer at Qatar Museums, said:"Programmes such as these are vital in developing the capabilities of GCC archaeologists as it will enhance their knowledge and unify their efforts in preserving the region's heritage and scientifically document it for upcoming generations."
"Studies have shown us findings from the Arab Peninsula that date back thousands of years. Through archaeological missions, a lot of remains have been found on the Arab Gulf coast and inside the Peninsula itself. Among these findings were Stone Age tools and weapons, which prove that the Arab region was occupied during the Stone Age. Therefore, exploring these tools reveal many aspects about our ancestors' lifestyles and allow us to carefully document an important part of history."
The five-day programme, which includes various lectures and activities, will be delivered by Faisal Abdullah al Nuaimi, QM's head of archaeology. It covers the different weapons and tools used in the Gulf in the prehistoric period, including their uses, how to identify and categorise them, and how to classify the raw materials used to make them.
The programme will also include training on making different types of weaponry and tools, soft and hard forging, trimming through forging or pressing, and how to make important tools, including axes, arrowheads and blades. In addition to the discussions, participants will visit and explore archaeological sites across Qatar.
'Techniques of Making Weapons in the Stone Age' has been launched as part of QM's commitment to implementing the recommendations that were the result of the 16th Meeting of Archaeology & Museums Undersecretaries, held in Doha in 2015.
The programme aimed at enhancing the mutual corporation between archaeology and museum professionals in the GCC and encouraging collaboration that will help preserve the history of the Gulf. The initiative is in line with QM's goals to honour the traditions of the past while embracing the future.
