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Heritage Commission Concludes 3rd Archaeological Excavation Project Season in Al-Baha

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Heritage Commission Concludes 3rd Archaeological Excavation Project Season in Al-Baha

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The Heritage Commission has concluded the third season of the archaeological excavation project at the Al-Ma'mala site in the Al-Baha region, an effort aimed to uncover and understand the historical significance of archaeological sites across the Kingdom.
This season's excavations yielded considerable findings, including a series of well-preserved stone walls constructed with meticulously cut granite blocks, some reinforced with mud bricks. These walls, adorned with traces of plaster, demonstrate the attention to detail and advanced construction methods employed in ancient times. The height of the walls ranged from 50 to 120 centimeters and 50 to 80 centimeters in width, highlighting the sophisticated engineering and architectural techniques of that era, SPA reported.
Archaeologists discovered two distinct architectural units at the site, providing valuable insights into ancient lifestyles. These structures featured well-defined spaces, suggesting multiple uses and reflecting the advanced architectural practices of the time.
The excavations also unearthed a diverse collection of artifacts, including 230 pieces of pottery, some adorned with intricate geometric motifs, 48 stone pieces, 26 pieces of colored glass, 35 metal tools, and 17 stone tools, providing evidence of the site's vibrant commercial and industrial activity.
Al-Ma'mala site holds significant historical and commercial importance. Located 13 kilometers east of Al-Aqiq Governorate and 45 kilometers from the Al-Baha Region capital, it lies close to the ancient Elephant Road, a vital trade route for commercial caravans coming from southern Arabia before the advent of Islam.
Over time, the road evolved into an important pilgrimage route during the Islamic eras, further contributing to the prosperity of the surrounding villages and cities.
The Heritage Commission emphasized its commitment to conducting comprehensive archaeological surveys and excavations across the Kingdom. By employing advanced techniques in geographical surveying and field excavation, the commission aims to uncover and document new antiquities, shedding light on the Kingdom's rich history.

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Ithra Showcases Art Collection for the First Time at Art Week Riyadh

Ithra showcases art collection for the first time at Art Week Riyadh. (SPA)
Ithra showcases art collection for the first time at Art Week Riyadh. (SPA)
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20
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Ithra Showcases Art Collection for the First Time at Art Week Riyadh

Ithra showcases art collection for the first time at Art Week Riyadh. (SPA)
Ithra showcases art collection for the first time at Art Week Riyadh. (SPA)

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced in a press release Monday its participation as an Exhibition Partner at the inaugural edition of Art Week Riyadh.

This initiative of the Ministry of Culture’s Visual Arts Commission is being held from April 6 –13, 2025, across key cultural sites in Riyadh, including JAX District and Al Mousa Center, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The event celebrates the nation’s dynamic art scene, bringing together leading local and international galleries, cultural institutions, artists, patrons, collectors, and arts enthusiasts, under the theme "At The Edge".

The release stated that during Art Week Riyadh, Ithra is presenting a curated selection of 15 significant works from its museum collection, titled "Landscape and Memory," as part of the event’s invited collections exhibition, under the title of "Collections in Dialogue”.

Spanning from the early 1900s to 2022, the display showcases a rich variety of artistic practices and cultural expressions. Featuring both regional and international artists, it includes sculptures, paintings, and installations, providing a captivating overview of Ithra’s prized art collection.

Moreover, the exhibition explores the interplay between material memory, transformation, and the landscapes that shape identity, questioning how history is preserved, reinterpreted, and reimagined through art. The exhibition portrays memory not only as a mark on the world but as a dynamic force that links us to the past while opening new possibilities for the future.

Featured artists and their works include the Saudi Arabian artist and film director Mohammed Alfaraj’s Fossils of Knowledge (2022), Maha Malluh’s Oil Candies (KSA - 2019), and three works by American artist Gregory Mahoney: Sea Land (1991), Five Gallons/Five Oceans (1995), and End of the World (1993).

Also on display are South Korean artist Do Ho Suh’s Screens (2005); three photographs by Saudi photographer Moath Aloufi, The Scene (2019), I Am the One (2019), and The Family (2019); as well as Italian master Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Persone in Comunicazione (2019); Lebanese calligraphy artist Joumana Medlej’s Who Am I? (2015); and Saudi eclectic artist Sultan bin Fahad’s Sultan Bin Fahad 1440 AH (2016). Additionally, Palestinian sculptor Abdul Rahman Katanani’s Tornado (2020); Palestinian artist Hazem Harb’s The Place is Mine, Series #3 (2019); and Egyptian painter and sculptor Moataz Nasr’s Burning (2019) are also part of the exhibition.

The release emphasized that the exhibition provides a glimpse into Ithra’s diverse collection, highlighting its variety and celebrating the vibrancy of contemporary art.

Head of Museum at Ithra Farah Abushullaih said, "Ithra’s participation in Art Week Riyadh is an opportunity to celebrate creative expression and embrace diverse artistic and cultural perspectives. It is an opportunity to share a glimpse of the Ithra Museum and its rich collection of works."