SQCC’s 2022 Annual Conference

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center held its 10th annual conference in association with the Asian Cultural History Program, at the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution on 25 October 2022.
This year’s conference, Past Meets Present: The Impact of Tradition on Modern Omani Fashion and Accessories included discussions on contemporary Omani fashion, silversmithing and jewelry, and scents and salves. HE Engineer Ibrahim Said Al Kharusi, Undersecretary of Heritage Affairs, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, delivered the conference keynote at the opening reception.
The conference’s first panel The Art of Dress in Oman focused on how fashion reflects the cultural values of Oman.
The second panel Personal Adornment discussed the history of silversmithing in Oman and the importance of silver in the Sultanate of Oman.
The lunch keynote Omani Royal Gifts at the Smithsonian was delivered by Dr. Paul Michael Taylor, Curator of Asian, European, Middle Eastern Ethnology and Director, Asian Cultural History Program, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution
The third panel Omani Scents and Salves highlighted the craft of manufacturing of Omani cosmetics such as frankincense products, personal care items, and perfumes.