British Museum:5,000 Years of Feminine Power

Agencies/Sudan Events

‘Revered and Feared. Feminine Power in Art and Belief’ curators have called the show “the first exhibition of its kind”.

Goddesses, saints, demons: ‘Revered and Feared. Feminine Power in Art and Belief’ is a collaborative exhibition created by Madrid’s ‘La Caixa’ Foundation and London’s British Museum, bringing together 166 historical objects to highlight spiritual perceptions of femininity around the globe.

Objects on display date from prehistory through to the 21st century, and follow five themes: “Creation and Nature,” “Passion and Desire,” “Magic and Malice,” “Justice and Defence,” and “Compassion and Salvation.” Contemporary artists involved in the show include Marina Abramović and Zanele Muholi. The objects—which span over 5,000 years—call into question our beliefs about gender expression, examine women’s multifaceted roles in society and folklore, and celebrate ancient customs and traditions.