The Samaritan Museum
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The museum is located in the center of the Samaritan community on Mount Gerizim, bordered from the south by a secondary road that connects to the main street of the housing opposite the Samaritan Church. To the north are empty lands, and to the east and west it is bordered by modern residential homes of the sect. |
This private museum was established by Priest Husni, a member of the Samaritan community, in cooperation with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It opened to visitors in 2010 AD. The museum occupies a ground floor area of about 250 square meters, comprising an exhibition hall, an administrative office, and health facilities. Its purpose is to provide a detailed understanding of the Samaritan sect, its religion, and its historical and religious narrative from ancient times.
The museum's significance is underscored by its focus on the history of the Samaritan sect, considered the world's smallest and oldest living religious group. The exhibit is divided into two sections:
1. The first section interprets the Samaritan law, various rituals and festivals, the ethnic origins of the sect, and the traditional dress of its people. This section features models, pictures, documents, manuscripts, various costumes, and a designated seating area for visitors to listen to explanations provided by the museum's curators.
2. The second section displays pottery, glass, metal, and other archaeological artifacts, tools, and materials. It also offers detailed information on the Samaritan language (ancient Hebrew), the genealogy of Samaritan families, and the unique Samaritan calendar.
Among the most important exhibits is a model of the summit of Mount Gerizim, illustrating the sanctuaries and the religious rituals practiced there.