A decorated bronze censer from the Cathedral in Old Dongola
Journal Title: Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean - Year 2017, Vol 26, Issue 1
Abstract
A bronze censer found in the Church of Brick Pillars in Old Dongola in 1968 provides unique insight into the role of such liturgical vessels in medieval Nubia. In this new study of the iconography and production technique of this vessel, coupled with an epigraphical analysis of the Greek and Old Nubian inscription around the edge, the author suggests that the vessel was crafted by Makurian craftsmen sometime in the first few hundred years after the conversion of the Nubian kingdoms to Christianity (in the 6th or 7th century AD). Seeking sources of inspiration for the Dongolan masters of the metal-working craft, the author looks to the Byzantine Empire, where close parallels for the decoration of the Nubian censer can be found in late antique silver objects. This leads to a discussion of trade relations between the Byzantine Empire and the Kingdom of Makuria, and the possible exchange of official gifts.<br/><br/>
Authors and Affiliations
Maciej Wyżgoł
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP343268
- DOI 10.5604/01.3001.0012.1811
- Views 40
- Downloads 0
Archaeological and architectural evidence of social change in 13th–17th century Dongola
The article reviews the body of archaeological and architectural evidence for social transformation taking place in Dongola during the period from the end of the 13th through the end of the 17th century, the uppermost st...
Qatar-Sudan Archaeological Project: Excavations at the Ghazali monastery from 2014 to 2016
The excavation report covers eight months of fieldwork at the site of Ghazali, which resulted in the clearing of the entire monastery and the discovery of three annexes located on the north and west of the complex. The s...
Archaeological fieldwork in Berenike in 2014 and 2015: from Hellenistic rock-cut installations to abandoned temple ruins
The report brings a comprehensive summary of archaeological fieldwork and survey carried out in Berenike on the Red Sea coast of Egypt and in the Eastern Desert hinterland over the course of two seasons in 2014 and 2015....
Alexandria, Kom el-Dikka. Seasons 2014–2015. Appendix: Islamic cemetery at Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria: research in the 2014 and 2015 excavation seasons
The Polish–Egyptian mission at Kom el-Dikka, ran by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, stepped up the already advanced preservation processes aimed at establishing an Archaeological Par...
Argishti I in the Arax valley: consequences of the conquest
The conquest of the fertile Arax valley by Argishti I in the mid 8th century BC was a major point in Urartian imperial policy, the valley having been a target of Urartian expansion from the start. The article outlines Ar...