The Jewel of Muscat (JOM) is a recreation of a 9th-century Belitung ship, built to best resemble the original one, right down to its building materials like goat fat!Using 9th century navigation techniques, the team from Oman travelled along the same route used in the early years, as described by Arab geographers. After 4 months at sea, the ship will finally be docking at its final destination, Singapore
More information about it can be found below.
In conjunction with the arrival of the Jewel of Muscat, the Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF) will hold a celebration at the Malay Heritage Centre, Istana Kampong Gelam on Sunday, July 4 from 10am to 1pm, to welcome the delegation from the Jewel of Muscat.
The event will feature a host of fringe activities that is open to the public. The JOM is a gift from the Sultanate of Oman to Singapore and represents the historical, cultural and trade links shared between the two countries for many centuries.
The morning will feature a potpourri of cultural exchange and highlights include a walk along the historical Muscat Street, as well as a firsthand account of the journey from Oman to Singapore by the courageous captain and crew of the dhow. The public is invited to take part in the fun-filled activities that are being showcased for the delegation, such as an Arabic calligraphy demonstration, caricature workshop featuring a giant info graphic chart of this historical ship’s journey, a fine art interpretation of the dhow on canvass and the art of batik painting by renowned artist Mr Sarkasi Said.
Please see agenda below and join us for a historic morning of cultures, heroes and the ancient arts!
10.30 am - Arrival of Guest-of-Honour
10.45 am - Welcome speeches
11.00 am - Performances
12.00 pm - Tour of Kampong Gelam
12.30 pm - Reception at Tepak Sireh Restaurant
More About the Jewel of Muscat
This project is an historical and cultural initiative launched by the governments of Oman and Singapore that involves the reconstruction of a 9th-century ship and sailing it from Oman to Singapore. The ship's design is based on the archaeological findings of the Belitung Wreck, which was discovered in 1998 in Indonesia. The ship represents a major feat of maritime engineering. The hull has been sewn together with coconut fiber. Built without nails to seal the hull, each timber has had to fit perfectly. The wood will be protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime, and the sails will be square and made from palm leaves.
The ship set sail from Oman to Singapore, which is presumed to have been a key stopping point of the Belitung ship, in its journey westwards, before it was wrecked. It will travel along the same route as those described by Arab geographers, using the same knowledge as Arab seamen. The team on the ship will use 9th century navigation techniques, plotting the course for the 18-metre ship with a "kamal" (a small block of wood connected to a piece of string that can calculate latitude), and the stars and the sun.
Observation of the sky and sea colour, marine and bird life, and wind direction will also be used as aids to navigation. Modern instruments will only be used to check the navigation techniques. The journey began in February 2010, with the ship reaching Singapore by June 2010.
