2018/07/09 by Maciej Wyżgoł · 1 citation
Arts and Humanities · Engineering · #Ancient Egypt and Archaeology #Archaeology and Historical Studies #Biblical Studies and Interpretation #Antique #Byzantine architecture #Iconography #Bronze #Craft #Ancient history #Empire #Art #Parallels #Kingdom #Brick #Archaeology #Christianity #History #Visual arts #Engineering #Geology
paper · doi:10.5604/01.3001.0012.1811
openalex publication_date 2018/07/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
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.