7th Century pottery found
by mahmood on 19/11/09 at 11:26 am
Pieces of pottery dating back to the seventh century have been uncovered at an old traditional building site in Muharraq Suq, it emerged yesterday. However, archeologists were equally happy to also find the remains of several walls and floors of shops, date presses and documents dating back to the late 18th and early 19th century.
The shops used to sell dates, boat gear and building materials at the height of the pearling industry, according to officials.
The excavation was carried out in the area housing the historic buildings of Yousif Abdurahman Fakhro, Ali Rashid Fakhro and Ebrahim Al Doy.
Now the Culture and Information Ministry, which funded the excavation and research, plans to set up a Pearl Path complex near the site that will feature an information centre and museum among other facilities.
The excavation was directed by UK Oxford Brookes University archaeologists Dr Robert Carter and Javier Naranjo-Santana.
The move followed initial plans to renovate the buildings and turn them into cultural tourist attractions that highlight Bahrain’s pearl diving history.
“These findings illustrate Bahrain’s rich history,” Information and Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa told the Press during a visit to the site.
“Pearl diving and other crafts were the pillars of Bahrain’s economy in the past.
“Such findings can be used to further attract tourists to Bahrain and turn the country into a cultural centre.”
She said the Pearl Path project would include renovating the buildings as well as setting up a museum and a traditional coffee shop similar to those found in Muharraq in the 19th century.
Dr Carter said that the pieces of pottery found in the area belonged to the 7th century.
“This means they are from pre-Islamic times. However, we have not yet been able to identify their origins,” said Dr Carter.
He said that the items uncovered which helped to preserve Bahrain’s renowned pearling industry were equally important. “The buildings had warehouses, offices and shops selling dates, boat gear and building materials,” he said.
“We have found dates syrup, which means it was made in these shops – one dating probably 40 years ago.
“We also found old documents and passports that signify that offices were here in these buildings.”
Source: GDN
