Ancient artefacts from nearly 3,000 years ago will be on display at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery as part of a special British Museum touring exhibition coming to the city.

The British Museum Spotlight Loan Ancient Sudan: enduring heritage will explore the Kushite Kingdom, one of the largest empires in the ancient world, which flourished in Sudan for over a thousand years.

Portsmouth is one of only three locations in the UK chosen to exhibit this unique exhibition, which will be on display in Portsmouth Museum from 1 February to 19 April 2025.

A bronze figurehead of a goddess from 300 BC, a sandstone offering table featuring inscriptions in Meroitic, the indigenous written language of the later Kushite period, and a clay jar decorated with crocodiles from the river Nile, will be among those on display.

Visitors will learn about the ancient Kingdom of Kush's skilled craftsmanship, their distinct religious beliefs, and the important role that women played in their society.

The exhibition will also explain the efforts of modern Sudanese people to protect their rich heritage, amid an ongoing civil war which has displaced millions of people. To do this, Portsmouth Museum is collaborating with local groups Sudanese Community In And Around Portsmouth, which organises cultural events to preserve heritage, and the Rural Refugee Network, who support refugees from Sudan and other countries.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council Leader, said:

"We're extremely grateful to the British Museum for choosing Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery to tour this fascinating exhibition. Portsmouth residents will have a unique opportunity to get close to some incredible artefacts and learn about a lesser-known ancient civilisation which had a huge impact on the world.

"We are also working with local groups to highlight how the Sudanese people of today are fighting to preserve their heritage, despite the ongoing conflict there.

"I hope people take the chance to come and see this rare exhibition while it's here."

Emily Mott, Youth Trustee of the Rural Refugee Network's NEST project, said:

"We are thrilled to be collaborating on this remarkable exhibition, which not only showcases fine examples from the Kingdom of Kush with its rich cultural heritage, but also provides a platform to address the horrors of the current civil war in Sudan.

"This overlooked conflict has created a vast humanitarian crisis and the displacement of over 11 million people, including many children who have created a Wall of Hope as part of this exhibit.

"Thank you to the British Museum and Portsmouth Museum for giving the young people involved with Rural Refugee Network's NEST this brilliant opportunity to raise awareness and to inspire meaningful change."

Dr Loretta Kilroe, Project Curator: Sudan and Nubia at the British Museum, said:

"Sudan has a fascinating history and a rich cultural heritage that is often overlooked. With ongoing conflict in the region, it is vital that this heritage is protected.

"In collaboration with Sudanese communities, this exhibition will highlight ongoing protection and conservation efforts, as well as bringing Sudan's fascinating history to life for new audiences."

Ancient Sudan: enduring heritage will be on display at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery from 1 February to 19 April 2025 and entry is free.

Find out more here: https://portsmouthmuseum.co.uk/what-to-see-do/special-displays/ancient-sudan-enduring-heritage/

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