Head of a Man 1st century BC - 2nd century AD Cast bronze H. 40 cm Qaryat al-Faw
© Department of Archaeology Museum, King Saud University, Riyadhend of legend
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Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
UNITED STATES
WASHINGTON, DC • Arthur M. Sackler Gallery • 17 November 2012 - 24 February 2013
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The exhibition presents spectacular artefacts from prehistory and early history, as well as from ancient Saudi Arabia: finds of earliest bifaces, 6000 year-old anthropomorphic stela, monumental egyptianized colossal statues, works in glass and metal dating from Roman antiquity, as well as objects from the ceramic revolution that took place in the Islamic early period.
The second section of the exhibition highlights the role of Arabia as the cradle of Islam. The roads became crowded with pilgrims as well as traders; a first group of exhibits evokes the pilgrim paths and Al-Rabadha, one of the principal stopping-places. Following this road as far as Mecca, a second group comprises a selection of funerary stelae illustrating the evolution of writing and ornamentation between the 10th and 16th century and providing precious information on Meccan society at the time. Muslim sovereigns vied with each other in their generosity towards holy places, with buildings and such ventures into embellishment as this monumental door from the Ka’ba, the gift of an Ottoman sultan.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Website
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Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave SW
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
Tel: (1) 202 633 48 80
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