Stirling Museum

I read about a British Museum Spotlight Loan coming to the Smith Museum and Art Gallery in the City of Stirling. The travelling exhibition explores the Kushi Kingdom - a civilisation that flourished in Sudan nearly 3000 years ago. It had been a few years since I had visited the Stirling cultural institution and I took the bus from Dunfermline on a Sunday morning.

Just a short walk from the main shopping precinct, the museum was founded in 1874 and funded by the estate of local artist Thomas Stuart Smith (1814-1869). Stirling Castle looms overhead and I arrived shortly after the opening time of 10am. The Kushi displays were arranged in the entrance hall and contained several pieces of artwork, along with information panels that explained the history of the ancient kingdom - which existed around 1200 years until the 4th century and was one of the largest empires in the old world, ruling from the Blue Nile to the Levant. The exhibition examines the skilled craftsmanship, distinct religious beliefs, and the important role of women within this society, as well as exploring the rich culture of modern-day Sudan - which is not defined by the ongoing fierce conflict in the region. Kush was rich in natural resources, including gold, ivory and animal skins. The kingdom resisted Roman expansion and exported goods to distant lands. Kings and queens commissioned elaborate temples and were buried beneath pyramid structures in the desert. The River Nile is the lifeblood of Sudan but the heritage is under threat, with many historical sites and museums located in combat zones. The current conflict erupted in 2023 and has devastated the African nation. Reports of looting and vandalism have surfaced and an international committee has been tasked with protecting the treasures. More benign forces such as urban sprawl and dam construction are impinging upon the cultural site. Impending climate change also has an impact. Kushites worshipped multiple gods, including local deities and Egyptian figures. Most of the surviving artefacts were found at wealthy burial sites. The small collection on display today included examples of decorated pottery and a bronze figurehead from a ceremonial boat. Some objects were positioned on a sandstone offering table - an important part of funeral rituals. A modern woven food bag was also showcased, emphasising the fact that Sudan is still a centre of creative excellence. Credit to the British Museum for releasing these items for public consumption in other parts of the UK. The Smith Museum and Gallery is surrounded by gardens and is an oasis of calm just beyond the city centre. Its benefactor didn't live to see the completion of the project, dying unexpectedly in 1869, having formalised a public trust that same year. Smith was a highly regarded colourist and he amassed a huge private collection of paintings, many of which adorn the gallery walls today. His gift to the people of this old royal capital continues to impress visitors 150 years down the line.