Special exhibition provides portrait of important but little-known ancient culture
The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World presents Nubia: Ancient Kingdoms of Africa on view March 11 – June 12, 2011, open Tuesday – Sunday, 11–6 pm; Friday, 11 am–8 pm. Admission is free/
Nubia: Ancient Kingdoms of Africa will provide an unparalleled overview of Nubia’s rich culture, from its earliest kingdoms (3200–3000 BC) to the Kushite period (ca. 900–400 BC). More than 120 objects, ranging from statues portraying Nubian kings to military weapons, jewelry, pottery, and more, will reveal the remarkable and distinctive aesthetics of Nubian art and, through it, the societies that produced it.
Nubia—which flourished in present-day Sudan and southern Egypt—was Egypt’s major rival, and the relationship between the two, including their frequent military engagements, is among the topics illuminated by the exhibition.
On view at New York University’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World (ISAW), this is the first exhibition in New York City in more than three decades to focus on Nubia’s fascinating but little understood culture.
The exhibition was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and conceived by Jennifer Chi, ISAW’s associate director for exhibitions and public programs, and independent curator, scholar, and archaeologist Geoff Emberling. Supplemental material has been loaned to ISAW by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
SPONSORSHIP
Nubia: Ancient Kingdoms of Africa has been made possible through the support of the Leon Levy Foundation.
PUBLICATION
The exhibition will be supplemented by a 56-page publication containing brief essays by Dr. Emberling that provide a historical overview of Nubia and recent scholarship on it. It will also include a map and timeline of the region, a checklist of objects in the exhibition, and a selected bibliography. It will be available for purchase at ISAW.
EXHIBITION TOURS
Free guided tours of the exhibition will be offered on Fridays at 6 pm. Space is limited; to reserve a spot: 212.992.7818 or [email protected]
INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF THE ANCIENT WORLD
The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University was established in 2006 by the Leon Levy Foundation. In addition to its doctoral and postdoctoral programs, ISAW engages the larger scholarly community and the public with an ongoing program of exhibitions, lectures, and publications.
The Institute for the Study of the Ancient World is located at 15 East 84th Street, New York, NY 10028. Telephone: 212-992-7800; website: www.nyu.edu/isa