A bedouin’s rifle was his most prized possession and was always found at his side. It was essential for protection against danger and used for hunting whilst traveling long distances in the desert or mountainous regions of the country. The people of the Emirates were well known for their skills in using and maintaining their firearms.
The rifles, imported mainly from Europe via Muscat, were all given local names; for example ‘Um Fatilah’, which was the name used for the matchlock musket, can be seen in the first weapons’ display case. This is the oldest exhibit on display. Guns of this type date from the seventeenth century.
More modern weapons of the twentieth century are exhibited in the second display case and include guns used by the Trucial Oman Scouts as well as the guns used by the guards of the Diwan-al-Amiri who guarded the fort, Qasr Al Hosn, in Abu Dhabi.
|
