World's Oldest Known Natural Pearl Discovered; Archaeologists Call It a 'Priceless Stunning Find'
For millenniums gemstones have made individuals happy with their beauty. Pearls have a special place in the hearts of many because of the subtle glow they provide. In 2019, a discovery related to this glistening object stunned many people, stated the Department of Culture and Tourism (Abu Dhabi).
Archaeologists from DCT Abu Dhabi uncovered a precious pearl at a Neolithic site on Marawah Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Officials named the gemstone the ‘Abu Dhabi Pearl.’ Based on the layers where the gemstone was uncovered, the pearl was dated back to 5800-5600 B.C.E. The 'Abu Dhabi Pearl' implies that pearls and oysters were in use in the country some 8,000 years ago. It is the earliest known evidence of pearling in the world.
Authorities were elated with the discovery as it sheds light on the country's extensive background. "The Abu Dhabi Pearl is a stunning find, testimony to the ancient origins of our engagement with the sea. The discovery of the oldest pearl in the world in Abu Dhabi makes it clear that so much of our recent economic and cultural history has deep roots that stretch back to the dawn of prehistory. Marawah Island is one of our most valuable archaeological sites, and excavations continue in the hope of discovering even more evidence of how our ancestors lived, worked, and thrived," HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said.
Experts believe that such pearls were possibly traded with Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq) in exchange for items like highly decorated ceramics. The art of pearling is exceptionally complex; however, the ancient inhabitants of Marawah appear to have excelled in it. Thereafter, the gemstone possibly became a mainstay of the country's economy.
Certain discoveries in Jebel Buhais in Sharjah indicate that locals of the area used the gemstone as jewellery. All of these show that the gemstone was quite popular in the region. Accounts from individuals like Venetian jewel merchant, Gasparo Balbi, who travelled through the region in the 16th century, also claimed that the islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi were a huge storehouse of pearls. The pearl industry flourished in the country until the 1930s.
The site of Marawah was first uncovered in 1992 during an archaeological survey. Experts found several collapsed Neolithic stone structures. These structures were also significant as they were the earliest known architecture in the country. The oldest-known decorative art from the country was also unearthed in the form of painted plaster vessel fragments from the site. Another major discovery from the location was an imported ceramic vase, which featured flint arrowheads, shells, and stone beads.
After discovery, the pearl was taken under the custody of the Zayed National Museum collection. Later, it became part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibit "10,000 Years of Luxury." The collection focussed on understanding and displaying how luxury was perceived by different cultures. The exhibition also examined the impact of luxury on the evolution of human society.