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ABU DHABI, 1st June, 2023 (WAM) — To mark the 50th anniversary of UAE-Malta diplomatic relations, Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced two special loans from the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta and the Louvre Museum.
For more than 240 years, a pair of decorative columns known as cippi will be displayed together at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and open to the public from May 2023 to June 2024. The columns, previously housed respectively in the Louvre Museum and the National Archaeological Museum in Valletta, mark the reunion of the cippi pair after their separation in 1782.
cippi’s presentation will be part of the theme of crossroads of eastern and western influences in hall 5 of the museum, dedicated to civilizations and empires.
Maria Camilleri Calleja, Malta’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, said: “2023 is an important year for our two countries, Malta and the United Arab Emirates, as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee – the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations established in 1973 – continues to expand year after year. Malta is proud to have a strong relationship with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, which we can now see through the work of two auspicious institutions, Heritage Malta and Louvre Abu Dhabi The fruits of this relationship. Their very dedicated and professional labor of love, also with the Louvre in Paris, yielded a narrative of scholarly endeavor but also the mysteries and adventures of the past, which lead us on a journey to explore the twins Cippi’s Journey Unearthed in Malta people separated by fate but reunited by design. This narrative can also be translated into an allegory of the relationship between Malta and the United Arab Emirates despite their geographical distance and divergence , but their willingness to work together has brought them together in politics, business, in sports, on an interpersonal level, in research and in innovation, and above all in the field of culture. This is the first time Malta is hosting an exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, But I’m sure it won’t be the last time.”
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “The reunion of these extraordinary decorative columns at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testament to our mission to tell stories of cultural connection. These cippis will be shown together for the first time, marking an important moment in the preservation and celebration of our common heritage. These loans demonstrate the power of art to bridge gaps between times, places and civilizations. Through partnerships with the National Archaeological Museum of Valletta, Malta and the Louvre Museum in Paris Working together, we have brought together these remarkable works. This rare opportunity to see these cippi up close provides our visitors with a fascinating and enriching experience that underscores our commitment to sharing the beauty and meaning of cultural artifacts.”
In the Greco-Roman world, Cippi were often inscribed with messages as boundary demarcations, milestones, tombstones, or in some cases, possibly temple offerings. In the case of the cippi, which are temporarily on display at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, their flat tops may have been used as a support surface for trays used for burning incense or offering sacrifices.
Dating from the 3rd or 2nd century BC, these two decorative columns are richly decorated with thorny and lance-shaped leaves and are set on rectangular plinths, both containing the same Phoenician text and Greek text inscription.
The text confirms the identity of the Phoenician god Mercat with the Greek hero Hercules, and marks the successful export of Phoenician gods, language, and culture beyond trade in goods as part of Mediterranean commerce.
In 1758, French epigrapher Abbé Barthélémy held the key to deciphering the Phoenician alphabet, just as Greek inscriptions on the Malta cippi were the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs in 1822, on the Rosetta Stone. After deciphering, the Knights of Malta offered one of the cippis to France.
Noel Zammit, CEO of Heritage Malta, said Malta maintains strong ties with the United Arab Emirates and the two countries are actively working together to further strengthen this relationship through heritage diplomacy. To achieve this goal, the two countries are conducting a cultural dialogue involving the three countries. This is an important step towards that goal. Furthermore, this marks the first time Malta has partnered with Louvre Abu Dhabi, and it is hoped that this collaboration will create a promising future for the relationship between the two entities.
“By lending the cippus to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, we are recalling the cooperation and diplomatic relations that took place in the 18th century, when copies of the cippi were sent abroad for deciphering. Therefore, in recognition of Barthelemy’s deciphering, the Knights of St. John A cippi was offered to the Academie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres. It arrived in France in February 1782,” said Zammit.
Since its opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi has forged important international partnerships through mutual loan agreements, showcasing world history and cultural heritage. Expanding international partnerships remains a priority for Louvre Abu Dhabi, with these partnerships including extended loan agreements with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, South Korea and the Philippines.
Programming around special installations
A new alcove will highlight special displays of cippi, accompanied by a range of cultural engagement, mediation and educational initiatives, including: inclusion of cippi in the Louvre Abu Dhabi app, audio commentary interviews, resources for teachers and children, “Art dedicated tours and workshops in the “Lab” schedule, as well as the “Museum Painting” and “Art History Walks” events that incorporate cippi into the museum.
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