An exhibition on beads from the Sultanate’s archaeological sites dating back to 10th to 17th centuries will be opened for three months at the Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum, said museum officials during a press conference yesterday.
The exhibition is held in conjunction with International Museum Day 2024, said Deputy Director of Museums Pengiran Hajah Mahani binti Pengiran Haji Ahmad.
The exhibition, ‘1000 Years of Beads’, will showcase beads discovered at four major archaeological sites in the Sultanate: Kota Batu, Sungai Limau Manis, Sungai Lumut and the Brunei Shipwreck.
“These findings demonstrate early Brunei’s regional and international trade relationships, highlighting its peak in the 15th Century with the arrival of Arab, Chinese and Indian traders, she said, adding that this led to political ties, intermarriage and the spread of Islam as recorded in Chinese, Javanese and Tarsilah sources.
“Some of the beads that will be exhibited are personal collections and some have never been exhibited before,” she added.
Archaeology officer Dayangku Siti Nurhalimaturradhiyah Hibriyah binti Pengiran Haji Hamzah said several activities will be held during the three-month exhibition.
One activity will be sessions facilitated by cultural experts on the use of beads and discussions on the findings, she said.
The sessions will take place on May 25, June 29 and July 6.
Other activities include colouring, puzzles and quizzes opened to both children and adults.
These activities, with souvenirs from the museum as prizes, will take place on May 23 and 29, June 20 and 27, July 25 and August 1.
Meanwhile, Exploring Heritage, a book project involving the Royal Regalia Museum; Malay Technology Museum; Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum; Belait District Museum and Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja, will be launched tomorrow.
The book will include crossword puzzles, with answers found by visiting the participating museums.
There is also Oh Rupanya, a collaboration between the Ethnography Division and Radio Television Brunei on cultural heritage.
The programme will air on the national network starting tomorrow. – Adib Noor
