Facing an uncertain future, Sudan is drawing strength from its ancient past
Published 14 Jan 2022, 11:10 GMT
The pyramids of Kush command much attention, but archaeologists rely on smaller discoveries—from figurines to ostrich-shell beads—to reveal the history and legacy of this long-overlooked African kingdom. Shabtis (above)—statuettes crafted to perform menial tasks in the afterlife—were discovered in the burial of Kushite king Nastasen and date to about 315 B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicChristian inscription in Greek, 10th-13th centuries A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicBeads from Kushite burial, 4th century B.C.-4th century A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicNecklace, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicStorage jar, 7th century B.C.-4th century A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicInscribed ceramic jar, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicIron arrowheads, 7th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicBronze alloy falcon from tomb of King Nastasen, ca 315 B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicSkull from Kushite burial, 4th century B.C.-4th century A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicAmputated leg bones of adult male, 7th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicOstrich-shell beads, 2nd-7th centuries A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicPrehistoric stone hand axes, 9000-3000 B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicDecorated drinking cup, 4th century B.C.-4th century A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicCeramic plate, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicQuartzite statue of Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep II, 15th century B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicBurial finds, including beads and animal teeth, 7th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicArchers’ thumb rings, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicArrowhead, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicFine redware bowl, ca 1st-4th centuries A.D.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicCeramic jar, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicGold leaf from tomb of King Nastasen, ca 315 B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicSpindles for manufacturing textiles, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National GeographicCeramic bowl, 6th-4th centuries B.C.
Photograph by Nichole Sobecki, National Geographic