Crossroads: Ancient Cyprus

Abstract

Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea whose legacy is of a significance far beyond its physical size, because of its geography and geology. Located between Asia, Europe and Africa, it is at the very nexus of trade and cultural contact between the powers of the region throughout human history. Its economy was powered by the island’s rich mineral resources, especially copper, and other natural resources such as timber and agricultural products. The island’s protective harbours welcomed vessels from across the eastern Mediterranean. This exhibition explores archaeological and artistic responses to those international links developed by local artisans and craftspeople. There is much current academic discussion around the themes of insularity and internationalism pertinent to Cyprus: how do island cultures adapt to international connections and still maintain local customs and traditions? When do communities look outwards and when inwards? The exhibition, through its themes explores these issues in depth to ask what made Cypriot-produced goods unique. The answer is in the distinctive mixture of cultural traditions in stone, clay, metal and other materials used by the artisans of the island. The exhibition explores the concept of crossroads through materiality and the traces left behind by traders and conquerors on local populations. Cyprus is a prime exemplar of the archaeology of cross-cultural contact.