Why this 3,000-year-old bed design remains a staple in modern Sudanese homes
In short: The British Museum commissioned a local carpenter to recreate an ancient angareeb bed. By studying fragments from tombs in Amara West, Sudan, researchers discovered a design that has remained virtually unchanged for three millennia and continues to be a standard piece of furniture in the region today.
As part of the British Museum's archaeological work at Amara West, Sudan, curator Manuela Lehmann and inspector Mohamed Saad sought to understand the construction of ancient furniture. They collaborated with a local carpenter to build a wooden angareeb bed, using ancient fragments recovered from local tombs as their primary blueprint.
The project highlights a remarkable continuity in material culture. Despite the passage of 3,000 years, the fundamental design of the angareeb has persisted, remaining a common fixture in contemporary Sudanese households. This enduring form serves as a living connection to the region's ancient history.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Making a 3,000 year old bed I Curator's Corner S5 Ep9 #CuratorsCorner
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