Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

OLD DONGOLA

SUDAN

of the figures and related draping of the
robes, always consisting of the same ele-
ments. A very elaborate decoration of the
robes emphasizes the ornamental character
of the murals. The painter uses templates
on a wide scale to outline the heads, faces,
hands and feet of his figures. In his com-
positions, he makes the associations be-
tween his figures apparent by establishing
mutual eye-contact. The color palette is
identical with the extremely characteristic

black contours enriched with a red line.
Characteristic features of this painting can
be traced to the Byzantine art of Kom-
nenian times (llth-12th century), as well
as to Islamic art as seen in manuscript
illuminations. The folkloristic aspects
betray strong African and Arabic cultural
influence, mingling freely during this
period in Nubia, and leading in effect to
the development of a highly original local
culture.

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