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Installation view of Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa

Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa

April 18–August 22, 2021
Location
Main Exhibition Galleries
Cost
Paid
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This exhibition occurred in the past. The archival exhibition summary below describes the exhibition as it was conceived while on view.

With works spanning more than 2,000 years, Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa offers insights into the kingdoms that inhabited what is today the Sudanese Nile Valley. Although frequently overshadowed in the public imagination by its northern neighbor Egypt, ancient Nubia has a long and glorious past. There, a series of civilizations flourished for more than 6,000 years. Nubia’s location made it a strategic link between central and eastern Africa, western Asia, and the Mediterranean, but its history was often misinterpreted. Through a majestic display of art and objects, this exhibition offers new ways of understanding Nubia’s history and contemporary relevance.

The exhibition presents the Nubians’ artistic achievements, including magnificent jewelry, pottery, sculpture, metalwork, and more and showcases the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Through Nubian art, the exhibition examines concepts of power, representation, and cultural bias in the ancient world, in the early 20th century, and today.

Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa is curated by Denise Doxey, curator of ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This exhibition was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is presented in St. Louis by the Betsy and Thomas Patterson Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency; the National Endowment for the Arts; and Tiffany & Co.

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Audio Guide

Enjoy the Museum’s new, enhanced virtual audio guide for Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa. Each of the 10 tracks are one to three minutes in length and can be selected randomly. Bring your headphones and listen during your in-gallery visit or experience the guide from home.

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Large Print Labels

Large print labels for Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa are available online and upon request at the Special Exhibition desk in Taylor Hall.
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Audio Guide Transcript

A transcript of the audio guide for the exhibition are available online and upon request at the Special Exhibition desk in Taylor Hall.
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On-Demand Virtual Programs

This recorded program was originally presented via Zoom on May 13, 2021.

Guest curator Denise Doxey explores the art and culture of ancient Nubia, Egypt’s enigmatic southern neighbor on the Nile. The Nubians created exquisite jewelry, sculpture, pottery, stone vessels, and architecture, yet the meaning behind these works is only beginning to be fully appreciated and understood. The exhibition "Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa" provides a rare opportunity to experience 2,000 years of Nubian art and civilization.

With Denise M. Doxey, curator, ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

This recorded program was originally presented via Zoom on June 10, 2021.

During the reign of King Piankhy (r. 732–712 BC), the Nubian kingdom of Napata conquered Egypt, ushering in an era of unprecedented wealth and power. The tombs of Piankhy’s queens and other royal women contained a variety of fascinating objects, including magnificent jewelry, elegant stone vessels, and, in one case, an unusual collection of geological specimens. This talk presents these finds and discuss their materials, techniques, iconography, and archaeological context.

With Denise M. Doxey, curator, ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston