OMAN

In a hushed room, the floor is covered with sand from the desert hinterland of Oman, while silver ornaments from the Omani tradition – once used to adorn horses and riders – float down from the ceiling. Suspended in space, these elements generate sounds and reflections of light that amplify their presence. Bridles, breastplates, pendants, and tasseled straps become sensitive devices, capable of redefining the relationship between body and environment and of rendering the visitor “worthy of beauty” – one of the possible translations of the title word “zīnah.”

Featured image: Al-Zaanah adorning a horse – Photo Mohammed AlShuaili, Courtesy of Sultanate of Oman Pavilion