On the Move Exhibition opens at National Museum of Qatar

Oct 27, 2022

One the Move, a special exhibition on view at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ), was opened by Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The opening was attended by several dignitaries and will be on until 14 January 2023.

The exhibition focuses on three distinct regions and explores theclives of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists living in these areas. Covering the Central Sahara, Qatar and Mongolia regions, the exhibition has a diverse selection of over 400 objects including paintings, historical images, oral historical, archival footage, and contemporary photography.

Exploring how these groups developed and maintained rich, meaningful social lives, while producing complex and beautiful cultural forms in challenging environments, One the Move adds more value to Qatar Creates as it takes part in Qatar's storytelling.

Artefacts on display are drawn from the collections of NMOQ, Lusail Museum, Qatar National Library and Qatar Museums, along with loan items from international museums including the National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar., Musée du Quai Branly in Paris, and Weltmuseum Wein in Vienna, among other institutions.

On the Move forms part of the Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022, an international cultural exchange designed to deepen understanding between nations and their people. As such, the exhibition reflects the creative power and heritage of the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia (MENASA).

Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa, said: “As Qatar prepares for an exceptional year in its history, we are pleased to officially unveil On the Move to our local and international audiences. The exhibition provides visitors with a window to our past as we learn from our ancestors’ wisdom to build a brighter future. We are proud of our Bedouin nomadic culture and here is a moment to experience this.”

Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Amna Bint Abdull Aziz Al Thani, Acting Deputy CEO of Museums, Collections & Heritage Protection and Director of NMoQ, said: “Since its opening in 2019, the National Museum of Qatar has served as a cultural platform that raises awareness of the history and environments that nomads lived in, as well as the contemporary aspects of living nomadically. We look forward to welcoming the wider community to the flagship exhibition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for a culturally enriching experience.”

Aisha Ghanem Al Attiya, Head of Years of Culture, Qatar Museums said, “We are delighted to present On the Move as part of the Qatar-MENASA Year of Culture 2022. The exhibition traces the history of nomads not only in Qatar but also across the region, further cementing our commitment to bringing people together. We hope everyone visits the exhibition to learn more about the history of the MENASA region.”

Tania Al Majid, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs in Qatar Museums, said: “We are delighted to officially unveil On the Move, an exhibition highlighting the rich and diverse forms of culture from three regions and celebrating the uniqueness of cultural and artistic forms, diverse expertise, and creative innovation. As Qatar prepares to welcome guests for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, we are thrilled to present On the Move at the National Museum of Qatar, an exhibition that takes visitors on a unique historical journey.”

Exhibition contents and themes

On the Move begins with an introduction of the complex histories and cultures of nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists from three different regions in the world: Qatar, Central Sahara and Mongolia Themes explored in the exhibition include: (mis) perceptions and (mis) representations; living spaces and dwellings; Pastoralists’ relationships with animals and with the environment; the groups rich social, cultural and spiritual lives; historical ruptures; and the influence of nomadic living in arts and culture today.

Art & Literature

A gallery on the (mis)perceptions and (mis)representations explores how mass media, art and literature, and academia have played a role in perpetuating stereotypes about nomadic communities. On view are films, such as Lawrence of Arabia (UK, 1962), Orientalist paintings and photographs. Contemporary photography of and by the pastoralists is juxtaposed with stereotypical depictions, inviting visitors to question and change their perspectives.

Living spaces

The next gallery highlights the pastoralists’ living spaces and dwellings. Designed to be easily assembled and taken down and transported, these dwellings require advance knowledge of construction techniques, as well as an understanding of the surrounding environment to select the best place to build. The gallery features décor from these living spaces, and explores the functions of interior spaces, such as hosting guests.

Animals

The pastoralists’ relationships to their animals are also examined. Although many animals provide essential nutrition to these groups, that is not always their sole purpose. Sheep and goats are most closely associated with pastoralists, providing a main source of nutrition as well as leather and wool. Camels are considered precious and are connected to social prestige as well as transportation. In some cultures, horses are both vital to mobility and herding and represent community legacy and heritage. Falcons and eagles are used for hunting and represent high social standing. For some groups, dogs and donkeys are highly respected.

Group relationships and environment

The exhibition continues with a focus on the groups’ relationships to their environments. It highlights how their navigation is based on close observation of landscape features, patterns of plant growth, the movement of birds and animals, wind and weather patterns, and explores how the scarcity of resources influences how communities rely on nature to create remedies, clothing and much more.

Cultural and social lives

The pastoralists’ rich cultural, social and spiritual lives are explored in the next section of the exhibition. All three regions have profound oral traditions, which this section explores with the narration of three stories. Textiles are highlighted, both as a necessity and as form of expressing social values, customs and traditions. The gallery also highlights celebratory gatherings and different traditions for hospitality.

Political, economic and environmental

The following section focuses on political, economic and environmental changes that have affected nomadic life. Examples include the exploitation of natural resources, such as mining, environmental ruptures due to climate change, and how political borders impact the natural paths of the pastoralists.

Contemporary changes

The exhibition concludes with pastoralists’ development over time, highlighting contemporary changes to lifestyle and transportation. It also examines how the lifestyles, ideas, innovation and creativity of nomadic pastoralists have been a continuous source of inspiration for other people and cultures. The final gallery examines influences in arts and culture today, from music to fashion and architecture.

The exhibition is curated by Professor Lila Abu-Lughod, Department of Anthropology, Columbia University; Tania Al Majid, Associate Curator of Social History and Ethnography, National Museum of Qatar; Faisal Al Naimi, Director of Archaeology, Qatar Museums; Dr. Haya Al Thani, Director of Curatorial Affairs, National Museum of Qatar; Dr. Anja Fischer, Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology, University of Vienna; and Dr. Elizabeth Turk, Department of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge.

A collection of gifts inspired by the exhibition are available for purchase at the NMoQ gift shop.