Doha: The “Treasures Rescued from Gaza: 5,000 Years of History” exhibition continues at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, celebrating Palestinian and Eastern heritage. It aims to preserve rare artistic artifacts and collective memory from destruction, oblivion, and systematic erasure during wars, conflicts, and upheavals.
According to Qatar News Agency (QNA), the exhibition, running until November 2, features 130 archaeological artifacts from Gaza’s heritage. Among the treasures on display is a Byzantine mosaic from Abu Burqa, highlighting Gaza’s strategic importance as a crossroads since ancient times. Other items include ancient clay jars used for transporting oil over long distances, a marble statue of Aphrodite from the Hellenistic period, and Roman oil lamps with intricate designs.
Elodie Bouffard, the exhibition curator, told QNA that the exhibition serves as a reminder of Gaza’s rich and ancient history, spanning thousands of years. It also commemorates the resilience of this historic city, especially amid ongoing wars that destroy its beauty.
She emphasized that the exhibition represents a form of artistic and cultural resistance, safeguarding Palestinian identity and showcasing the power of art and culture in confronting conflict. Bouffard highlighted that the systematic destruction of artifacts and infrastructure by the Israeli occupation army underscores the profound heritage of Gaza, despite efforts to erase its history. The exhibition reflects this richness and strength, celebrating the depth of Palestinian identity and its enduring resilience against attempts at deliberate historical erasure.
The exhibition tells the story of Gaza and its exceptional role in history, having been a hub of international relations between the Mediterranean, Africa, and Asia for centuries. Archaeological discoveries reveal an urban area that was rich and prosperous, featuring significant architectural and cultural advancements over the past 5,000 years. Many displayed artifacts reflect this history, enhanced by scenography developed in collaboration with Studio Anastasia, which focuses on the authentic stories of the rescued artifacts. These items had been safeguarded in Geneva and other parts of Europe for 17 to 25 years to protect them from the impacts of war.
Bouffard stressed the importance of presenting the perspectives of contemporary Palestinian artists deeply connected to their heritage. She noted that the exhibition raises questions about the removal of these artifacts from their original roots in Gaza and their relocation to Geneva and Europe for preservation. The display evokes a sense of perpetual displacement, mirroring the forced migrations and exile faced by Gaza’s people today. The exhibition’s artistic approach ensures that each artifact narrates its story while preserving its original identity.
In her interview with QNA, Bouffard pointed to notable pieces, such as the marble statue of Aphrodite, which exemplifies the exceptional craftsmanship of Gaza’s ancient artists. Although marble is not naturally found in Gaza, Palestinian artisans skillfully sculpted and crafted this rare piece, highlighting the region’s significant cultural and civilizational progress in antiquity.
She also drew attention to the monochromatic mosaic, measuring six meters by three meters, which occupies half of the first exhibition hall. Discovered accidentally by a farmer in his garden in Beit Lahia, it dates back to 179 AD during the Byzantine era. The mosaic testifies to the importance of the Byzantine period in the region’s history and illustrates Gaza’s historical wealth. Bouffard explained that the mosaic’s restoration was part of fruitful cultural and knowledge collaboration between France and Palestinian authorities, carried out in Arles, southern France, enabling its display for visitors at this Parisian exhibition.
Bouffard concluded that the exhibition “Treasures Rescued from Gaza” highlights the indispensable role of history and roots in ensuring the success of resistance and struggle. She remarked they, as organizers, wanted this exhibition to convey that through history and memory, any people can preserve their identity and heritage.
Notably, the exhibition “Treasures Rescued from Gaza: 5,000 Years of History,” organized in collaboration with the Institut du Monde Arabe, the Museum of Art and History in Geneva, and the Palestinian Authority, with the support of the ALIPH Foundation, opened on April 3. It represents a journey celebrating Palestinian and Eastern heritage, particularly in regions affected by conflict and crises.