Toward a Definition of Nubian Art

Nubia, the land of the Nile Cataracts, produced art that speaks to the creativity of its artists, architects, craftspeople, and thinkers. Yet until recently, its material culture has not received the attention it deserves. This lecture will present an overview of 6,000 years of objects from Nubia’s diverse cultures and empires. It will attempt to define the characteristics of Nubian art, emphasizing how it differs from Egyptian art to which it is often — but incorrectly — unfavorably compared. Dr. Rita Freed, curator emerita at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, explores Nubia’s artistic richness. Presented in collaboration with the American Research Center in Egypt’s National and New York Chapter, she focuses on the diverse treasures and unique heritage of this land, encompassing southern Egypt and northern Sudan.

Image: Sphinx of King Taharqa, Kushite ruler of Egypt, 690–664 BCE, British Museum