Events and exhibitions

Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond

September 21, 2022 — February 19, 2023

Figurines, tools and weapons, miniature architectural models, adornments in gold and amber, ceramic and bronze vessels, and more: all were excavated from a region in Europe stretching from the Balkan Mountains north to the Carpathian Basin. Many of these artifacts once aided communication with the gods, or were used by the communities that created them in order to understand identity in an earthly realm. Although no textual sources from the prehistoric cultures of this region have come down to us through time, the objects themselves, as well as the locations of their discovery, have led scholars to believe that these works served potent ritual functions. Each artifact offers a glimpse into the world view and ways of life of these ancient communities, but also raises questions. How did objects like these participate in cultural practices that are largely a mystery to us? Can a memory of these long-silent civilizations be recovered?

Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond at NYU’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World

NOW ON VIEW!

15 East 84th Street, New York, NY, 10028

Hours: 11am – 6pm, Friday 11am – 8pm
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays

Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond
Installation view of the exhibition "Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond at NYU's Institute for the Study of the Ancient World"

Ritual and Memory presents works from the Neolithic Period through the Iron Age. Showcasing ritual objects used by men and women, warriors and wives, kings and farmers, in celebrations and in funerals, the exhibition invites us to consider beliefs, ritual practices, and community organization in the ancient civilizations of the Balkan region. These archaeological finds demonstrate great technological accomplishment and significant intercultural connections between various groups in this area and beyond.

Organized by the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World in partnership with the Field Museum, Ritual and Memory reveals the fluidity of cultural practices in ancient southeastern Europe and highlights the dynamism of the region. The participation of eleven countries and seventeen lending institutions further signals an era of international collaboration: our historical moment provides an unprecedented opportunity to explore fresh perspectives on the ancient world across a broad sweep of space and time.

Ritual and Memory: The Ancient Balkans and Beyond will be on view until February 19, 2023

Hours: 11am – 6pm, Friday 11am – 8pm
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays

15 East 84th Street, New York, NY, 10028

For visits and more, see here

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This exhibition is organized in partnership with the Field Museum’s First Kings of Europe project and has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

Ritual and Memory at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World is made possible by generous support from Nellie and Robert Gipson and the Leon Levy Foundation. Additional funding provided by The Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Foundation and James H. Ottaway Jr.

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