13 March 2025
Collection of Bahraini discoveries from Dilmun and Tylos at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting a collection of Bahraini discoveries, offering visitors a unique insight into a crucial chapter of the region’s history and heritage. These loans of ancient pieces belonging to the Dilmun and Tylos cultures are displayed as part of the collaboration agreement signed between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The Bahraini artefacts will remain on display until June 2026, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage with the region’s heritage and explore the historical contributions that have shaped the identity of the Arabian Gulf over the centuries.
His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, visited the museum, where he was warmly received by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, alongside Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. During his visit, His Excellency toured the display of Bahraini artefacts, reflecting the shared commitment of both institutions to promoting the region’s rich history and civilisations.
On this occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stated, “We take great pride in our collaboration with Louvre Abu Dhabi and in showcasing Bahraini artefacts at the first universal museum in the Arab world.” He added, “Hosting these artefacts underscores the importance of collaboration between cultural institutions in the Gulf region to promote the narratives of the civilisations that once thrived there. This achievement is a testament to the shared dedication of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to promoting our collective history and heritage.”
His Excellency further emphasised that lending these artefacts to Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a unique opportunity for both local and international visitors to explore a significant chapter of Bahrain’s history. It highlights the thriving social and commercial practices of the Dilmun and Tylos periods, showcasing Bahrain’s pivotal role in shaping regional trade networks.
For his part, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak remarked, “Collaboration and a united vision are essential for preserving and promoting the invaluable shared heritage of the Gulf region. The collective efforts of Louvre Abu Dhabi and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities have resulted in audiences from the UAE, region and around the world learning more about our past and our rich traditions. This celebration of our roots fosters pride in younger generations and ensures that our heritage is a living part of our present.”
The collection features a Tylos-period tombstone, an early Dilmun strainer jar, and two Dilmun seals, each holding deep cultural significance. The Dilmun seals, for instance, were essential to commercial life, serving as symbols of ownership and social status. Expertly crafted from stone or marine shells, these seals reflect the artistic traditions of Dilmun, whose influence extended well beyond the region.
The Dilmun filter jar stands as a testament to early craftsmanship, showcasing how Dilmun craftsmen skillfully blended clay with limestone to produce pottery that was both functional and aesthetically distinctive. Pottery-making remains one of the most enduring legacies of Dilmun culture, with its techniques still practised today in Bahrain’s traditional crafts.
Sculpture during the Tylos period evolved significantly through interactions with the Hellenistic culture, a connection reflected in the tombstone displayed at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Such artefacts underscore Bahrain’s cultural diversity and the historical exchanges that helped shape its identity during this period.
This collection of Bahraini artefacts at Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies the shared vision of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It exemplifies the power of cultural collaborations in fostering meaningful cross-civilisational exchange.
