Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa is currently the featured exhibition at the Saint Louis Art Museum. With artifacts dating back to almost 3, 000 BC, this is not one to miss. Running until August 22nd, be sure to grab your tickets and prepare to be transported to the Sudanese Nile Valley, into the ancient metropolis of Nubia. 

Often overshadowed by its Northern counterpart, Egypt, the exhibition highlights the power and strength of the ancient Nubian kingdoms. Known for its gold mines and exports of luxury goods, artifacts from this region are particularly striking. Even though they are thousands of years old, the exhibition restores the life and the glow of each piece. From jewelry and personal adornments to metalwork to pottery, the range of artifacts on display paints the picture of what life was like in the Nubian Empire. The enduring intricacy of lines, shapes and patterns, as seen on the bracelet pictured below, is breathtaking considering the age of the artifacts. 

Upon visiting the exhibition, the impeccable condition of the pieces surrounding me immediately stood out. Despite thousands of years, I was looking at rings, earrings, necklaces that were so stunning, they could have been worn out of the exhibit. More than meets the eye, the historical significance and modern relevance of Nubia were also on display. Themes like clashing cultures, a struggle for power and ultimate dominance threaded themselves throughout the exhibit. Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa is truly a testament to how lucky St. Louis is to have an art museum of this caliber. 

Nubia: Treasures of Ancient Africa was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and is presented in St. Louis by the Betsy and Thomas Patterson Foundation and the Missouri Arts Council. Nationally, the exhibition is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and Tiffany & Co.   

For ticketing information and hours, visit: https://www.slam.org/exhibitions/nubia-treasures-of-ancient-africa/