Kazakhstan's 'Nomads and Networks' exhibition opens in Washington

The "Nomads and Networks: The Ancient Art and Culture of Kazakhstan" exhibition will remain on display through Nov. 12, and is aimed at dispelling the misplaced notion that nomadic societies were less developed than sedentary ones. More than 150 objects of gold, horn, precious gems and organic materials -- mostly excavated within the past 15 years -- reveal a powerful and highly developed culture with strategic migratory routes and sophisticated networks of communication, trade and exchange, the special issue of the Kazakh Embassy in Washington D.C. reads.

Julian Raby, distinguished member of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the University of Oxford, England, director of the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery made a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony. In his speech Raby noted that the U.S. capital for the first time hosted an exhibition of ancient items, representing the highest level of culture and art of the ancient ancestors of the Kazakhs. According to him, the rich finds in the mounds Chilikty and Berel that are national treasures and heritage of Kazakhstan, tell us about the nomadic culture that has created unique pieces of art through their connection with the settled communities. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan for their support in organizing the event and highlighted the work of the Ministry of Culture and Information, Ministry of Education and Science, as well as cultural and historical institutions in Kazakhstan, who took part in organizing the exhibition.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the U.S., Erlan Idrissov said, "because of successful cooperation with our partners, we are able to offer our American friends the beauty, elegance and sophistication of the work done by my Kazakh ancestors who made such a great, yet unsung contribution to the development of civilization."