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Cyprus was the first Mediterranean country where Australian archaeologists conducted excavations. Their first dig began in 1937 and University of Sydney archaeologists continue the tradition today at the ancient capital of .

The influences on Cypriot art are myriad. In the 10,000 years since people started living on the Mediterranean鈥檚 easternmost island it been occupied or ruled by the Egyptians, the Phoenicians, the Assyrian and Persian Empires, the Ptolemies, and the Roman and Byzantine Empires. In more recent centuries the Crusaders, the Franks, the Venetians and the Ottoman and British Empires controlled the nation.

鈥淓ach left their mark on the island archaeologically and artistically, helping the Cypriots develop their own material cultural identity,鈥� says exhibition curator, Nea Paphos archaeologist and Sydney University Museums Manager of Education and Public Programs .听

Birds are a common motif. Cyprus lies on a major bird migratory route between Africa and Europe; more than 200 species of bird migrating over the island annually and there are more than 370 local species. Their prevalence was an inspiration to the Cypriots.

鈥淏irds were popular from the beginning of figurative art in Cyprus, with avian representations flourishing during the Cypro-Geometric and Archaic periods,鈥� says Dr Barker. 鈥淛ugs, vases and bowls often captured the beauty of flight in a unique stylised form. This was more about art than science; there appears to be no attempt at accurate representation of species.鈥�

Unsurprisingly for an island state, the sea was a lifeline for Cyprus and also a major influence on its art. Located on international maritime trade networks, its harbours became major trading emporia. During the Late Bronze Age (c. 1650-1050 BC), Mycenaean pottery from mainland Greece and local imitations became commonplace.听 In later periods imported Athenian black and red figured pottery and other Greek vases reflected a growing connection with the Hellenic world. Then, during the Crusades, Cypriots showed a flair for making lead-glazed sgraffito pottery.

鈥淭his style was known across the Byzantine world, but no-one else produced it with the flair of the Cypriots,鈥� said Dr Barker. 鈥淭he creative design and exuberant colour displayed continued the island鈥檚 long decorative tradition.鈥�

Exhibition details

What: 听The Sky and the Sea: Ancient Cypriot Art

Where: 听, Manning Road, southern end of the Quadrangle, University of Sydney.

When: 听From 8 February

: 听Monday to Friday, 10am-4.30pm; First Saturday of the month, 12-4pm

Contact: 听Phone 02 9351 2812

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