MAN* (Museo Arqueológico Nacional) or National Archaeological Museum is the most important archeological museum in Spain that houses one of the world’s most important antique collections since prehistory till 19th century.
Currently museum has more than 13000 objects exhibited, but the following 10 pieces are not be missed.
The Warrior Stela
The Warrior Stela from Solana de Cabañas that depicts a local chieftain with the objects that symbolised his power and legitimised his control over the territory, which he marked with this late Bronze Age stela.
The Lady of Elche
The Lady of Elche is an Iberian sculpture renowned for her lovely features, rich attire and mysterious identity. Was she a goddess, priestess, bride or aristocratic lady deified by her ancestors?
The sculpture of Livia
The sculpture of Augustus’s wife is the loveliest portrayal of the empress. She is wearing a tunic and cloak, like a Roman matron, and her head is veiled, like a priestess in the cult of the divine Augustus.
Recceswinth’s crown
Of the six crowns and five crosses in the Visigothic Guarrazar Hoard, the most striking in size and ornament is Recceswinth’s crown, hung with the letters of his name. It was a votive offering, like the rest of the crowns.
Zamora Pyxis
The Zamora Pyxis is a splendid example of the technical and artistic perfection achieved by the ivory workshop at Madinat al-Zahra, was a gift from Caliph al-Hakam Il to his favourite, Subh.
Part 2 is coming up next week!
P.S. Free admission to the museum until December 31, 2021, so don’t miss out!
(Source: http://www.man.es/man/home.html)
