With its towering mountains, expansive plains, and rocky coasts, Wilayat of Dibba is characterised by stunning natural scenes. It is also a treasure trove of rock arts.
There are more than 200 rock paintings found in dozens of archaeological sites in Musandam Governorate. These sites provide real examples of cultural diversity as a unique cultural heritage. The ‘Rock of Al Deyooah’ bears a collection of drawings that express the presence of human life for thousands of years in these areas.
So far, there are no special studies for the giant rock, which is located in one of the villages in the Wilayat of Dibba. As soon as he approaches this rock, the visitor becomes aware of the type of drawings and engravings that adorn this rock.
The presence of rock art is not limited to this rock, but dozens of such inscriptions or drawings can be seen along the valleys and mountain ranges in Musandam Governorate. With every step a visitor takes throughout this governorate, s/he discovers a number of archaeological sites dating back thousands of years.
Amirah al Shuhhiyyah said the history of archaeological research for desert art studies in the Sultanate of Oman dates back to the 1970s. Clarke and Jakli conducted a field survey of rock arts and documented a number of them in the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Preston subsequently recorded 47 rock art sites in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. These studies focused on documenting rock art, classifying it, and analysing its themes. Ali al Shehri also documented rock art in Dhofar. The content and style of rock arts in this region differs from the north of Oman.
The archaeological mission to Musandam sent by the Royal Geographical Society and led by Beatrice de Cardi in 1971 was the first archaeological mission to the governorate. Although this mission's primary goal was to investigate the geological, morphological, and hydrographic aspects of this region, it contributed to the exploration of more than 30 archaeological sites in several villages including Hessa, Qarn Sham, Wadi Qada, Mukhi, and Wadi Khasab.
In 1991, researcher Biagi studied rock art in Musandam Governorate. He discovered shell mounds dating back to the first millennium BC. He also discovered two rare rock art sites in the Shisa and Khor Habeleen. In 2008, a team from the University of Oxford conducted a study using Google that documented 151 sites of stone accumulations and burials dating back to prehistoric periods.
Omar al Shihi, one of those interested in exploring and documenting archaeological sites in Musandam Governorate, says: “For years I have been trying to document these arts, but unfortunately, with the passage of time, I noticed the disappearance of some rock art sites as a result of some natural and human threats, and this calls for the necessity of documenting them and studying them carefully as soon as possible.” There is an information sign near this giant rock warning visitors not to tamper with this archaeological witness. Therefore, the residents of the wilayat thanked competent authorities for their interest in encouraging visitors to preserve these unique sites. Residents hope that the efforts of official authorities will be strengthened to preserve this heritage that characterises Musandam Governorate.
TEXT & PHOTOS BY YAHYA AL SALMANI
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