Hidden in the Sands: Uncovering Qatar's Past - Brossura

Gillespie, Frances; Al-naimi, Faisal

Brossura

ISBN 10: 1909339032 ISBN 13: 9781909339033

Casa editrice: Medina Pub, 2013

Riassunto

The first book of its kind to be published for a general readership from youngsters upwards, Hidden in the Sands: Uncovering Qatar’s Past is the fascinating, fun and educational story of Qatar’s heritage and the exciting discoveries being made by archaeologists.

This informative and delightful book is designed to assist in the teaching of the new Qatari History Curriculum directive. It is published through the generosity of Maersk Oil as part of its program to support education and unlock Qatar’s history and heritage.

Hidden beneath the sand and sea and revealed on rocks are the clues which explain why this ancient land has been such a key region throughout history. Here you can follow the detective work of archaeologists and discover Qatar’s rich past. In conjunction with a fully interactive website and also available in an Arabic edition, Hidden in the Sands describes in words and pictures the treasures uncovered by archaeologists, the methods they use, and the significance of their discoveries. Today, using state-of-the-art technology for excavation, dating and conservation, teams of experts are working all over Qatar to reconstruct its past.
Fully illustrated with photographs, maps and diagrams, Hidden in the Sands is embellished by the vivid and evocative illustrations of the artist Norman MacDonald. Told simply but with in-depth and up-to-date detail, it leads readers through the fascinating world of archaeology. Like reconstructing an earthenware jar from a hundred little shards, this book pieces together the fragments of the past to produce a complete and beautiful whole.

The 15 chapters include: Archaeology in Qatar; How Archaeologists Work; The First People; Early Coastal Settlements; Stone Tools; Making Tools from Stone; Colour from the Sea; The Mounds of the Dead; Rock Carvings; The Golden Age; Nomads of the Desert; Seeking the Angels’ Teardrops; Al Zubara; A Lost Settlement and an Ancient Fort; and Conservation of Archaeological Finds. It also contains a comprehensive Glossary, and a map showing all the main archaeological sites, as well as maps illustrating how the shape of Qatar has changed over the last 15,000 years.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

This beautifully illustrated and clearly written book does more than uncover Qatar s past for the first time it offers the younger generation a chance to understand our nation s archaeological history. Hidden in the Sands is both a visual feast and an important contribution towards helping us all appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Qatar. --HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani Vice Chairperson, Qatar Museums Authority

L'autore:

Frances Gillespie has lived in Qatar for almost 30 years, working as an English teacher for many years and as a freelance writer, contributing to the media and writing books about the history and natural history of Qatar. In 2000 she was the coordinator of the Qatar Archaeology Project, a joint initiative between the Qatari authorities and the University of Birmingham. Her best-selling book Discovering Qatar, first published in 2006, was the first to introduce readers to a wide range of natural history as well as to the traditional culture, history and archaeology of Qatar. Since then she has published the first field guide in English to the birds of Qatar, which has now been translated into Arabic, and a series of six books for young readers on the fauna and flora of the country, in English and Arabic. She also acts as scientific editor on a number of publications, and has adapted an educational interactive website on the environment for use in Qatar. Hidden in the Sands is the result of Frances long-held ambition to introduce young people in Qatar, whether citizens or expatriates, to the fascinating story of Qatar s past. Faisal Abdulla Al-Naimi has been enthralled by archaeology since boyhood and would travel around the desert noting the places where for centuries his bedu ancestors had camped. If he found a flint arrowhead he would think about the man who made it thousands of years ago and feel his connection with the long history and pre-history of his country. For the past 22 years he has undertaken survey, excavation and recording for the Department of Antiquities . He studied lithic technology in France, where he learnt to knap flint. Later, he worked in Syria as a lithics specialist for the French mission and has worked on excavations in Kuwait, Tunisia, France and Qatar. In 2006, Faisal became Head of the Department of Antiquities, bringing a wealth of experience to the management and protection of heritage sites in Qatar. He has been instrumental in setting up Qatar s first national database and Geographic Information System for heritage management, the Qatar National Historic Environment Record [QNHER], which has now surveyed and recorded more than 5,000 monuments and archaeological sites. He acts as a cultural representative for the Qatar Museums Authority, is Qatar s envoy for antiquities on the Gulf Cooperation Council and is the spokesperson on heritage issues concerning UNESCO in Qatar. Faisal Al-Naimi frequently visits schools to teach and conduct workshops. His wish is that young people should have the opportunity to discover the rich heritage Qatar has to offer.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Medina Pub
• Data di pubblicazione: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1909339032
• ISBN 13: 9781909339033
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 48