News

Researchers Discover Three New Extinct Kangaroo Species Canberra, 15 Apr (ONA)--- Researchers from Flinders University have unveiled the discovery of three new extinct kangaroo species that roamed Australia between 5 million and 40,000 years ago. Belonging to the extinct genus Protemnodon, these creatures were described as resembling modern grey kangaroos but were more robust. Among the recently discovered species is Protemnodon viator, tipping the scales at 170 kilograms, doubling the dimensions of the present-day red kangaroo. Conversely, Protemnodon ...

Regional Premiere of La Bohème Movie at ROHM Kicks off Puccini Celebration Muscat, 14 Apr (ONA) --- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) will host the regional premiere of the award-winning film La Bohème, directed by esteemed Italian filmmaker Mario Martone, on 23 April 2024. The event has already sparked significant interest in Oman as it sold-out in less than a week since its announcement on the ROHM website. This screening will mark the beginning of three weeks of activities leading up to the highly anticipated co-production of Puccini's timeless opera La Bohème, ...

Faith Ringgold, Pioneering Quilt Artist, Author, Dies at 93 New York, 14 Apr (ONA) --- Faith Ringgold, an award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling, has died, aged 93. Ringgold’s highly personal works of art can be found in private and public collections around the US and beyond, from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Art to New York’s Museum of Modern Art and Atlanta’s High Museum of Fine Art. But her rise to ...

Morocco Hosts First Exhibitions of Cuban Art Rabat, 3 Apr (ONA) --- When Morocco ‘s King Mohamed VI visited Havana in 2017, Cuban-American gallery owner Alberto Magnan impressed him with a “full immersion” in the Caribbean island’s art and culture, drawing a line between the cultural and historical themes tackled by Cuban artists and those from across Africa. Seven years after that encounter, one of the first exhibitions of Cuban art at an African museum is showing at Morocco’s Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It’s part of an effort to ...

Eleventh Edition of Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts OutlinedMuscat, 31 Mar (ONA) --- A press conference was held in Muscat today to announce the domains set for the Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature.During the press conference, Habib Mohammed Al Riyami, Chairman of Sultan Qaboos Higher Centre for Culture and Science, said that the award was aimed at celebrating honouring intellectuals, artists and writers who renew thought, elevate human values and emphasize Oman’s contribution to human civilization. He added that, this year the award is allocated to Omani ...

Bait AlGhasham DarArab Translation Prize Announces Opening of Submissions for 2nd Round Muscat, 27 Mar (ONA) --- The Bait AlGhasham DarArab Translation Prize announced the opening of submissions for the second round 2024/2025. This notable cultural initiative is dedicated to celebrating and promoting exceptional Arabic literature, featuring two prominent categories: the Translators’ Prize and the Authors’ Prize. Submissions will be accepted till 31 July 2024. Authors and translators are invited to submit their unpublished literary works and translations via ...

ROHM Welcomes Renowned Syrian Ensemble for its Ramadan Concert Series Muscat, 26 Mar (ONA) --- The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) continued its Ramadan concert series with a divine concert from the renowned Syrian ensemble, the Malawiyyin and Levantine Religious Chants Group, in tandem with Khalid Al Araimi, an Omani chanter of great note. The Ramadan series, which started on 18 March and will run until 1 April, is designed to offer respectful evenings of sacred prayer that inspire devotion. Over 300 people joined last night’s concert, experiencing firsthand ...

Ancient Roman Defensive Wall DiscoveredBerlin, 25 Mar (ONA) --- An exciting archaeological discovery was made during construction work in Aachen’s city center, Germany. At the corner of Pontstrasse and Marktplatz, archaeologists found an ancient Roman defensive wall from the 3rd century.As part of a construction project, archaeologists were excavating a street close to the historic city center when they discovered a wall that had collapsed, according to city officials. The wall was immediately recognized as an ancient Roman construction.The uncovered wall segment, measuring 23 ...

Archaeologists Recover Aztec Codices of San Andrés TetepilcoMexico City, 25 Mar (ONA) --- Archaeologists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have announced the recovery of the Codices of San Andrés Tetepilco.The three codices date from the late 16th to early 17th century and are believed to be a continuation of the Boturini Codex.The codices depicts a transition from pre-Hispanic Mexica to the arrival of the Spanish, the latter represented with the image of Hernán Cortés who appears dressed like a Roman centurion. Another scene corresponds to the reign ...

National Museum Organizes Lecture on Maritime Heritage Between Oman, Yemen, MoroccoMuscat, 19 Mar (ONA) ---The National Museumtodayorganised a lecture titled "Maritime Heritage between the Sultanate of Oman, Yemen, and Morocco: Similarities and Differences".The lecture waspresented by Dr. Yahya Latif AbdullahAlAbali, an academic researcher at the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage in the Kingdom of Morocco and Assistant Professor of Cultural Heritage at Hajjah University in the Republic of Yemen.The lecture addressedthemaritime heritage between the Sultanate of Oman, ...

Sadegh Tabrizi’s Untitled Painting Sold at Christie's Tehran, 17 Mar (ONA) --- Tabrizi's circa 1970 acrylic on canvas, valued at EUR 1,500 - EUR 2,500, fetched EUR 2,268 at auction. The artwork was the only one by an Iranian artist among 169 lots presented at the auction that included ancient and modern art, decorative arts and design, as well as savoir-faire and luxury items. This was the 103rd presence of Tabrizi in international auctions. His works have earlier been presented and sold at Christie's, Sotheby's, and Bonhams among other auctions. Sadegh ...

“UNESCO Aflaj Studies Chair” Implements Projects to Promote Omani Falaj SystemNizwa, 17 Mar (ONA) --- The UNESCO Chair for Aflaj Studies at the University of Nizwa, A’Dakhiliyah Governorate, conducted a set of studies and research projects that identified common difficulties faced by aflaj (centuries’-old irrigation system) in the Sultanate of Oman and proposed solutions to address the challenges. The studies laid emphasis on the need to intensify programmes and projects that tackle the negative impacts on the falaj system in Oman.Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Ghafri, Professor of the ...

Discovery of Ancient Bone Skate in Přerov Prague, 17 Mar (ONA) --- Archaeologists from the Comenius Museum in Přerov have uncovered an ice skate made from animal bone in the city of Přerov, located in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. The researchers were conducting rescue excavations in the city’s Upper Square, which during the 10th or 11th century was a series of smaller settlements along the branches of the Bečva River, centred on a fortified square where a fortress would later be constructed. Přerov first appears in recorded history around the ...

Olympic Flame to Be Lit in Ancient OlympiaAthens, 14 Mar (ONA) --- The Olympic Flame will ignite in ancient Olympia on April 16, heralding the start of its journey to Paris for the thirty-third modern Olympic Games opening on July 26.The Paris 2024 flame lighting and handover ceremony launches a momentous journey across Greece before reaching France.After a symbolic handover in Athens the flame will embark on a maritime voyage to Marseille aboard the "Belem,”. The torch relay across France will engage communities for two months, visiting landmarks like Lascaux, Carcassonne, ...

‘Shōgun,’ James Clavell’s Novel Brought to Life by Passionate Historian, Traditional Theater Actors California, 12 Mar (ONA) --- The Belgian Frederik Cryns, a professor of History at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies in Kyoto, remembers an old saying from his adopted country: “A samurai who does not know about poetry, traditional theater, or the tea ceremony, is not a samurai.” These and other disciplines, and not just katana fighting, appear in Shōgun (Hulu), whose plot is set in the time of these fearsome warriors. The show’s title refers to ...

Permanent Documentary Exhibition Opened at Royal Cemetery in ZanzibarZanzibar, 6 Mar (ONA) --- The National Records and Archives Authority (NRAA) today opened a permanent documentary and historical exhibition of the Royal Cemetery in Zanzibar. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Mudrick Soraqa, Minister of Tourism and Heritage in Zanzibar, in the presence of Dr. Hamad Mohammed Al Dhawyani, Chairman of the National Records and Archives Authority.The NRAA worked in cooperation with the authorities concerned in Zanzibar to set specifications and requirements for the restoration ...

Divers Find Roman Artifacts Off Slovenia Ljubljana, 5 Mar (ONA) --- In a groundbreaking discovery, divers off Slovenia's coast have unearthed a wealth of ancient Roman artifacts, shedding new light on the region's historical significance. Dating back over a millennium, these findings point to a once-thriving Roman presence along the Adriatic Sea. The artifacts, meticulously pieced together after years of underwater excavations between 2017 and 2024, include ceramic fragments like amphorae, kitchenware, and tableware, as well as remnants of a ship dating to the third and ...

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Mosque Ready for Holy Month of Ramadan Istanbul, 5 Mar (ONA) --- With Ramadan fast approaching, the Fatih Municipality teams in Istanbul today conducted cleaning and disinfection work at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The municipality's Environmental Protection and Control Directorate teams cleaned the interior and surroundings of the historical mosque. Carpets were vacuumed, shoe racks and the interior of the mosque were sprayed with disinfectant. The ablution fountain, mosque courtyard and Hagia Sophia Square were washed with hot water and ...

Book Titled "Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar" Issued Muscat, 29 Feb (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism recently published the book titled “Persistent Pastoralism: Monuments and Settlements in the Archaeology of Dhofar,” written by Professor Joy McCorriston. It is the Ministry’s tenth publication in the last five years within the Oman Archaeological Heritage Series. In this book, the author focuses on the cultural identity, economic activities, and social practices of pastoral societies in the prehistoric ...

Archaeologists Use Hazelnuts to Reconstruct Ancient Woodlands London, 29 Feb (ONA) --- Scientists have developed a novel technique using hazelnut shells to unveil ancient landscapes surrounding archaeological sites. Led by Dr. Amy Styring from the University of Oxford, the study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology reveals how hazelnut shells provide insights into the environment's past state and human impact. Through carbon analysis of hazelnuts from various Swedish archaeological sites spanning the Mesolithic to the Iron Age, researchers observed a ...

Experiment Captures Why Pottery Forms Are Culturally Distinct Tokyo, 28 Feb (ONA) --- A study led by Kobe University, published in PNAS Nexus, reveals how potters from different cultural backgrounds learn and reproduce new pottery forms, shedding light on cultural variations in archaeological artifacts. Researchers, including experts in pottery, motor control, and shape analysis, conducted a field experiment involving 21 wheel-throwing potters from France, India, and Japan. Despite no differential cultural evolution, they found distinct cultural differences in the ...

Artists, Curators Protest Israeli Presence at Venice Biennale, Citing Gaza 'Genocide' Venice, 28 Feb (ONA) --- Nearly 9,000 individuals, comprising artists, curators and museum directors, have endorsed an online petition urging the exclusion of Israel from the upcoming Venice Biennale art fair. They accuse the country of perpetrating "genocide" in Gaza. Israel has been facing mounting international criticism, including in the art world, over its military offensive in the Palestinian enclave, which was triggered by the 7th October attack when Hamas, a Palestinian ...

Culture Undersecretary Meets Brunei Official Muscat, 28 Feb (ONA) ---- Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth held a meeting in Muscat today with Dato Seri Setia, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports in Brunei Darussalam. The meeting touched on a set of topics that promote the joint cooperation in the areas of culture, youth and sports. The two sides also discussed means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries. --- Ends/AH ...

Physical Model to Quantify Quality of Stones Selected as Tools by Stone Age Hunter–gatherers Berlin, 27 Feb (ONA) --- Early hunter-gatherers in southern Africa, during the Middle Stone Age, displayed advanced material selection for crafting stone tools and spearheads, a study led by Dr. Patrick Schmidt of the University of Tübingen reveals. Using a specialized model, researchers tested the force required to flake off pieces from rocks used at the Diepkloof Rock Shelter, near Cape Town, with findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of ...

Oman Year Book Launched at Muscat International Book Fair Muscat, 27 Feb (ONA) --- Acting in cooperation with the Cultural Committee of Muscat International Book Fair’s 28th edition, the Ministry of Information today celebrated the launch of Oman Year Book 2023, titled “Oman the Vision & the Future”. The ceremony took place at the book fair’s venue at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Dr. Mohammed Ali Al Hinai, Head of Oman Year Book’s Working Team, said that the annual publication provides a comprehensive account of Oman’s progress in various fields of ...

West Bank Museum Showcases Gaza Artifacts as Symbol of Solidarity Amid DevastationWest Bank, 27 Feb (ONA) —- In a museum located in the West Bank under Israeli control, artworks from Gaza are showcased as a continuous artistic expression of solidarity with the conflict-affected Palestinian region."This is not an exhibition," reads the sign at the entrance to the Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, near Ramallah, showcasing art and heritage from the Gaza Strip.Alongside contemporary pieces, the works include old, traditional paintings and costumes, as well as archeological artifacts, said board ...

Oman Across the Ages Museum Hosts IMCC MeetingManah, 26 Feb (ONA) --- The “Oman Across the Ages Museum” in the Wilayat of Manah (A’ Dakhiliyah Governorate) today hosted activities of the second day of meetings of the “International Museum Construction Congress (IMCC)”. As many as 120 specialists in museum construction are taking part in the three-day conference, which began on 25 February 2024. The event seeks to enhance the knowledge of young people with disabilities, expand their talents and foster dialogue among innovators in the field of museum construction and ...

Ancient Greek Frescoes Reveal Global Bronze Age Connections with IndiaAthens, 25 Feb (ONA) --- In a groundbreaking discovery, an interdisciplinary team of primatologists has uncovered new insights into the ancient trade routes of the Aegean civilization through the vibrant frescoes of Akrotiri on Santorini, Greece.Traditionally believed to depict African monkeys symbolizing trade links with Egypt, these frescoes are now recognized to portray Hanuman langurs, indigenous to the Indian subcontinent.This revelation challenges previous assumptions, suggesting a Bronze Age ...

Workshops on Developing Cultural, Innovative Industries Launched Muscat, 25 Feb (ONA) --- Workshops for developing cultural and innovative industries kicked off today at the Oman International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 10-day series is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in cooperation with the National Programme for Investment and Export Development "Nazdaher". The ceremony marking the opening of the event was held under the auspices of Qais Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Sayyid Said Sultan Al ...

Heritage Ministry Exhibits 38 Publications at Muscat International Book FairMuscat, 22 Feb (ONA) --- In its independent pavilion, now being booked for the second time in a row at Muscat International Book Fair, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism is exhibiting 38 publications, six of which appear for the first time.The Ministry’s pavilion has a section for tourist guides that are also available in electronic form. The section comprises 4 specialized tourism brochures and a number of new promotional publications and posters.A key publication at the Ministry’s pavilion is a book ...