My exhibition analyses this KQ by reflecting on knowledge and development made based on past knowledge and whether the current knowledge improved from the past knowledge. The knowledge we acquire today changes based on past expertise by varying understandings in many distinct ways by different individuals based on their cultural backgrounds, ideologies, beliefs, personal experiences, and affiliations, among others. However, it can be sometimes challenging since knowledge can often be only acknowledged by individuals who share some specific expertise or experiences. For my exhibition, I have selected some objects from my traditional Qatari clothing (Thobe), personal wristwatch, and Arabic beads, which exist in the real world. These objects are developed based on old knowledge, which helps in creating the base for new knowledge or creation.
One significant element I chose is the Thobe, also called Thawb. This object is steeped in history, marking back times to the Arabian Peninsula. Thobe is an essential aspect of cultural heritage in Qatari and the larger Arab world. They are worn mainly by men and are characterized by loose-fitting garments that offer comfort in the desert climate (Elshenawy, 8). Originally a simple loose garment meant to protect the wearer from the harsh environment in the desert, the clothing has transformed, standing as a sign of elegance, relief, and cultural pride. The early version of Thobes was designed for practicality, protecting the desert climate. However, with the spread of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula, thobes experienced beautiful transformations for maximum alignment with Islamic ideologies. The Qatari thobes were developed with unique features such as long, flowing sleeves and relaxed fit, worn with a head covering known as ‘ghutra’ or ‘keffiyeh’ and held in place with an ‘agal’ (Elshenawy, 10). Through such exploration, we can observe a progression of knowledge in developing design and cultural significance. Each iteration of the clothing signifies an accumulation of past knowledge, integrating improvements in cultural symbolism, tailoring techniques, and material quality. Therefore, the construction of thobes over time offers an understating of how past knowledge has been shaped and built upon to create the garments worn today.
My second object is the Arab beads, which hold cultural and historical significance across the Arab world. The prayer beads in Arabic are known as “Subha” and have been part of the Islamic tradition for many years. Given the lack of industrial tools at the time, bead making was often pretty labour-intensive and needed considerable skills in Ancient Times. For instance, the material used throughout history was typically simple, and what was accessible, such as bone, shell, wood and stone (Saramifar, 45). Such materials were simple to use and readily available. The ancient history beads were used as symbols of heritage, craftsmanship, and identity. However, as we embarked on civilization, the materials and techniques utilized for bead-making evolved alongside them, with the development of glass beading, which continues to be a popular and affordable choice in modern days. Such evolution of beads reflects advancement in material sourcing, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange over time (Then-Obluska, 60). Studying the techniques and materials utilized in ancient bead-making practices and comparing them to modern techniques demonstrates how knowledge has developed over time. Moreover, the symbolism attached to specific bead designs, such as Swarovski crystals, demonstrates the evolution of beads, which aligns with the changing societal beliefs and cultural influences, further highlighting knowledge’s dynamic nature.
My last object is the personalized wristwatch, a practical accessory that has evolved from simple timekeeping devices to sophisticated technology and fashion statements. Research shows that the first wristwatch was developed by Abraham-Lousi Breguet, who was made the Queen of Naples on June 8th, 1810 (Smith, para 8). This wristwatch was initially developed as a timepiece of extraordinary construction and refinement of an overall repeater watch with complications, mounted on a wristlet of hair and gold thread. However, today, the personal wristwatch integrates advanced features, including clocks, automatic movement, or smartwatch abilities based on its make and model. Such development epitomizes the continual advancement of horology, design, and engineering knowledge. Each invention represents a development of past expertise, from the invention of mechanical movements to the incorporation of electronic elements and digital displays, para 9). Through exploring the history of wristwatch design and functionality, we can trace how technological innovations and consumer preferences have shaped the evolution of timekeeping devices, highlighting the iterative nature of knowledge improvement.
In conclusion, individuals can always identify the improvement in knowledge by comparing the similarities between past knowledge and existing knowledge. Even though improvements can be minimal to very big, the basic understanding of any development is established upon past knowledge. Each of my objects, such as the Arabic beads, thobes, and personal wristwatch, provides a tangible relation to the KQ by exemplifying how current knowledge builds upon and improves past knowledge through cultural developments, technological improvement, and evolving craftsmanship. Therefore, developing new expertise still requires previous knowledge of essential things to imagine new things to create.
Works Cited
Elshenawy, Ahmed Adel. “Globalization’s effect on Qatari culture.” Journal of Cultural Studies 2.1 (2017): 6-17. http://iafor.org/archives/journals/iafor-journal-of-cultural-studies/10.22492.ijcs.2.1.01.pdf
Saramifar, Younes. “Crafting sacrality from the tensile life of objects: learning about the material life of prayer beads from a Khaksari Sufi Murshid.” Contemporary Islam 12 (2018): 39-55. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11562-017-0407-5
Smith, Emily. “The Invention of the Wristwatch: An Evolution Over Time.” 2021. https://www.thewatchbox.com/blog/invention-of-the-wristwatch.html
Then-Obłuska, Joanna, and Alexandra D. Pleşa. “Roman to Islamic beads and pendants from Matmar and Mostagedda, Middle Egypt.” BEADS: Journal of the Society of Bead Researchers 31.1 (2019): 50-74. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1301&context=beads
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