Ancient Nubian Art

Rita E. Freed is a fellow at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University and adjunct professor of art at Wellesley College, where she teaches Egyptian and Nubian art.

If I could have only one book on Nubia, AncientNubian Art would be it. Beautifully written, exquisitely designedand illustrated, this publication makes the long, complicated history ofNubian art approachable. It's just what was needed.- Bob Brier, Senior Research Fellow, Long IslandUniversity, and author of Tutankhamun and the Tomb that Changed the WorldRita Freed's Ancient Nubian Art bringsNubian civilization out of Egypt's shadow, celebrating its unique culturalidentity. Even in moments of Egyptian influence, Freed highlights how Nubiansadapted these elements, yielding insights into their sensibilities and beliefs.Written in a clear and highly accessible style, this book makes an importantcontribution to the field. A valuable resource for educators, academics, andgeneral readers.- Stuart Tyson Smith, Professor, Department ofAnthropology, University of California, Santa BarbaraFinally, a book on the visual cultures ofancient Nubia! It is even more valuable because it is written by a scholar whohas spent decades working with the Nubian collection of the Museum of FineArts, Boston. The author's focus on the sensual and aesthetic qualities ofNubian artifacts provides strikingly new perspectives on this distinctive setof cultures of sub-Saharan Africa.- Geoff Emberling, Research Scientist, KelseyMuseum of Archaeology, University of Michigan