Doha: The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has inaugurated “Splendours of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco’s Heritage,” a landmark exhibition showcasing Morocco’s rich artistic and cultural traditions with around 200 rare and never-before-seen artifacts. The grand opening was graced by the presence of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Years of Culture initiative, alongside HRH Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco.
According to Qatar News Agency, the exhibition is part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture, a cultural exchange initiative aimed at fostering deeper mutual understanding between the two nations. “Splendours of the Atlas” features a captivating array of artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, photographs, and musical instruments, many of which are being displayed for the first time. The exhibition draws on key loans from prominent Moroccan institutions like the National Foundation of Museums and the National Library of Rabat, and also includes exclusive items fr
om Qatar Museums, MIA, and the upcoming Lusail Museum.
Curated by Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at MIA, the exhibition will run from November 2, 2024, to March 8, 2025. It includes significant pieces such as an Alawite headdress adorned with golden plaques and precious stones, silver Amazigh jewelry, and 11th to 13th-century wooden beams from a structure in Fez. These beams, although acquired separately by Qatar Museums, were identified as parts of the same building during restoration for the exhibition.
MIA Director Shaika Al Nassr commented, “This exhibition is a tribute to Morocco’s vast and varied artistic achievements, spanning centuries of rich cultural history.” The exhibition seeks to offer visitors a rare glimpse into Morocco’s artistic heritage, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship through items ranging from intricate jewelry to ancient manuscripts.
Dr. Chekhab-Abudaya added that about sixty to seventy percent of the objects will be shown for the first time,
providing visitors with a journey through Morocco’s vibrant culture, people, and landscapes. Artist Noureddine Amir has specially commissioned an installation using traditional Moroccan weaving techniques, reflecting an instinctive drive to reconnect with nature.
The exhibition is organized into five thematic sections, including “Faces of Morocco: Landscapes and Society,” “The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints, and Scholars,” “Threads of Tradition: Morocco’s Artisanal Mastery,” and “Traditional Sounds of Morocco,” each offering an immersive exploration of Morocco’s diverse cultural facets.
Accompanying the exhibition is a 216-page publication that delves into its key themes with essays by Dr. Chekhab-Abudaya and detailed entries on each work. Moreover, MIA is presenting “Ektashif: Morocco,” featuring works by Qatari artists who have honed their skills in traditional and Islamic arts through their experiences in Morocco.