Events

Nigeria showcases rich royal legacy at Kings and Queens of Africa exhibition

Published

2 years ago

January 29, 2025

Nigeria Kings and Queens of Africa Exhibition

Nigeria’s royal legacy takes centre stage at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in a breathtaking exhibition exploring African heritage from January 28–30, 2025

The cultural heritage of Nigeria will take centre stage at the highly anticipated *Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power* exhibition, scheduled to run from January 28 to 30, 2025, at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

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This extraordinary event is part of the broader *African Museums Today and Tomorrow* programme, which aims to highlight the richness of Africa’s cultural contributions to global heritage.

The exhibition will feature a remarkable collection of approximately 300 objects, offering an in-depth exploration of African royalty, with a special focus on Nigeria’s iconic kingdoms.

Representing Nigeria at this prestigious event, Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, emphasised the nation’s significant role in shaping the global cultural narrative.

“This exhibition is not only a celebration of Nigeria’s kingdoms, but also serves to elevate our nation’s position in the global conversation about African heritage and cultural preservation,” Musawa stated.

She described the exhibition as an opportunity to showcase the powerful symbolism, spirituality, and artistry of Nigerian royal traditions, from the ancient Yoruba Kingdoms to the Benin and Hausa Kingdoms.

The exhibition will present a stunning array of artifacts, many of which have been loaned through the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and form part of Nigeria’s national collection.

These treasures, spanning centuries of royal history, offer visitors an intimate look at the cultural and artistic achievements of Nigerian monarchies.

Key highlights will include objects from the Yoruba Kingdoms of Ife, Owo, and Ijebu. These items include intricate terracotta portraits of royal figures and depictions of Queen Oluwo, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship of Yoruba artists in the 12th to 15th centuries.

In addition to the Yoruba pieces, the exhibition will also shine a spotlight on the Benin Kingdom. Known for its sophisticated copper alloy and ivory works, the Benin Kingdom’s artifacts demonstrate the exceptional artistry that defined the Edo dynasty.

These objects reflect the powerful royal authority of the Benin kings and the kingdom’s lasting influence on global art traditions.

Furthermore, the exhibition will feature objects from the Hausa Kingdoms, underscoring the region’s complex societal structures and its broad cultural and political impact across Africa.

These items highlight the intricate royal traditions and artistic achievements that have shaped African heritage over centuries.

Musawa noted that the exhibition represents Nigeria’s continued commitment to cultural diplomacy and international collaboration.

By lending these significant objects to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nigeria reinforces its dedication to sharing its cultural treasures with the world and promoting a deeper understanding of African heritage.

The exhibition also serves to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with the United Arab Emirates, fostering cooperation in art, culture, and tourism.

“This collaboration not only highlights Nigeria’s rich cultural assets but also enhances our international standing, creating lasting connections between Africa and global audiences,” Musawa added.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

3 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

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The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.