Baskets of goods on display in the replica marketplace in the Museum.

Souk

Middle Eastern Trade

People from many cultures and lands have sailed across the Indian Ocean for thousands of years. Muslims from as far away as Morocco and Java, Jews, Hindus from India, Chinese and Christians. They were joined by the occasional adventurous European.

They were sailors, merchants, slaves, explorers, tourists, soldiers, pilgrims and settlers, and often traded with spices, gold, pearls, ivory, shells and jewels. Travelers would stop along their journey and display their wares for trade. This Souk market is an example of such a place that could be found in the Middle East.

Deep Dives

A display of three large spice grinding pestles, and spices in square boxes above.

The Jewel in the Crown - the Spice Trade

Spices- worth their weight in gold

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A collection of small pale-coloured round shells in a shallow wooden display case, with a pink background.

Maritime Melting Pot - Indian Ocean Cultures

The most basic currency - the cowrie shell

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A rectangular wooden block with a rope through the centre. It sits on a display labelled 'try navigating with a kamal.'

The First Explorers- Arab Traders in the Indian Ocean

Finding your way in unknown waters- the kamal

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The First Explorers- Arab Traders in the Indian Ocean

A bit of everything- Middle Eastern trade

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A souk, or market.
Credit: WA Museum