Monks and bishops in Old Dongola, and what their costumes can tell us (original) (raw)

A decorated bronze censer from the Cathedral in Old Dongola

A bronze censer found in the Church of Brick Pillars in Old Dongola in 1968 provides unique insight into the role of such liturgical vessels in medieval Nubia. In this new study of the iconography and production technique of this vessel, coupled with an epigraphical analysis of the Greek and Old Nubian inscription around the edge, the author suggests that the vessel was crafted by Makurian craftsmen sometime in the first few hundred years after the conversion of the Nubian kingdoms to Christianity (in the 6th or 7th century AD). Seeking sources of inspiration for the Dongolan masters of the metal-working craft, the author looks to the Byzantine Empire, where close parallels for the decoration of the Nubian censer can be found in late antique silver objects. This leads to a discussion of trade relations between the Byzantine Empire and the Kingdom of Makuria, and the possible exchange of official gifts.

COURTYARD A AT THE MONASTERY ON KOM H IN DONGOLA: FIELDWORK IN 2014–2016

Dongola 2015–2016. Fieldwork, Conservation and Site Management. W. Godlewski, D. Dzierzbicka, A. Łajtar (eds) [PCMA Excavation Series 5], 2018

From 2014 to 2016, excavations in the Monastery on Kom H in Dongola concentrated in Courtyard A, an open area located to the northeast of the so-called Southwest Annex, or Gatehouse H.SW.B and to the south of the so-called Main Building. The area under investigation also included rooms and areas provisionally investigated by Stefan Jakobielski and referred to in previous scholarship as SW-E.14, SW-E.15 and SW-E.16​. Since excavations in Courtyard A have yet to be completed, this report should be regarded as a preliminary consideration of the results obtained thus far.