Mauritania Gifts UAE Mosaic Artwork to Celebrate Heritage at Sharjah International Book Fair

A striking mosaic artwork crafted from 1,971 stones was presented as a gift to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) by Mauritania. The artwork, which features an eagle and the name of the UAE written in Arabic, symbolizes gratitude for the UAE’s support and commemorates the year of its union in 1971.

The piece was unveiled by a representative of the Dar Al-Mazhab pavilion on behalf of the Najibawayh Knowledge House, an institution in Mauritania dedicated to preserving heritage and literature. “This gift is a simple gesture of appreciation for the UAE’s unwavering support,” said the pavilion’s representative.

Ahmed Najib Ould Al-Sharif, founder and director of Diwan Al-Shanagita and Dar Al-Mazhab, explained the intricate process of creating the mosaic. Artists in the institution’s art department meticulously broke 1,971 pebbles of various sizes and colors, arranging them over a black-and-white outline of an eagle on a wooden base. The stones were painted in the UAE’s national colors and adhered using natural glue.

White pebbles formed the background, completing the mosaic, which was then secured with a circular border to maintain its durability. The process, Al-Sharif noted, typically takes 20 to 40 days, depending on the complexity of the design.

The pebbles used in the mosaic were sourced from Mauritania, a nation whose desert landscapes bear similarities to those of the Gulf. Rocks from regions like Atar Mountain were fractured into pieces suitable for the artwork, showcasing Mauritania’s natural resources and craftsmanship.

Mosaic art, while relatively new in Mauritania, has ancient origins dating back to the Greeks and Romans, and later to Islamic art in mosques and royal palaces. Al-Sharif highlighted the challenge of crafting the phrase “United Arab Emirates” using fine-sized pebbles, describing it as the most intricate part of the piece.

Showcasing Heritage Through Mosaic Art

Another notable mosaic displayed at SIBF depicted the Chinguetti Mosque in Mauritania, believed to have been built in the 13th or 14th century. The mosque, home to one of the oldest minarets in the Muslim world, still uses the sun to determine prayer times, symbolizing Mauritania’s commitment to preserving its heritage.

Looking ahead, Al-Sharif announced plans for a mosaic of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Founding Father, to be showcased at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, further strengthening cultural ties between the two nations.