AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Events October 2-4: Nomadic Arts, Guided Tours and Music from Kazakhstan

This week, music and finds from Kazakhstan’s nomadic past and daily, guided tours

Leah Binkovitz
One of the treasures from Kazakhstan’s rich past included in “Nomads and Networks” at the Sackler.
One of the treasures from Kazakhstan’s rich past included in “Nomads and Networks” at the Sackler. Courtesy Sackler Gallery

Tuesday, October 2 Golden Deer and Ice-Kurgans: Rediscovering the Ancient Arts of Kazakhstan

Though the cold steppes of Central Asia may seem inhospitable to a flourishing arts scene, that’s precisely what excavations have unearthed from the ancient world. Though archeological digs were limited by weather, according to the New York Times, the wait is worth it. Textiles, ceramics and of course, gold pieces tell a story about a mobile and connected network of people who were previously mysterious to modern audiences. Curator Alexander Nagel will lead a discussion on recent finds from ongoing digs in Kazakhstan that continue to yield treasures from human and horse burial sites. Free. 12:15 p.m. Sackler Gallery.

Wednesday, October 3 Hirshhorn, Renwick Guided Tours

You know the Smithsonian, but how good, you wonder? In addition the regular roster of blockbuster events, speakers and performances, the museums offer you daily access to unparalleled collections. Wander into the Hirshhorn between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., and find a small band of docents waiting for you, ready for an impromptu, 30-minute tour of the museum’s highlights, Monday through Friday. Or maybe you’d like to survey the Renwick today with a guided eye. Show up at 12 p.m. and prepare for a tour which can even include temporary exhibits. Free. 12 p.m. Hirshhorn and Renwick.

Thursday, October 4 Bardic Divas: Women’s Songs from Kazakhstan

Now that you’ve spent your early Tuesday afternoon catching up on the latest news from archeological digs from Kazakhstan and are a bonafide expert, enjoy a performance inspired by the country’s ancient nomadic cultures. Drawing on the heroic sagas of the past, vocalists Ulzhan Baibussynova and Ardak Isaataeva and instrumentalist Raushan Orazbaeva will give life to these rich musical traditions. Scholar Anna Oldfield will shed light on the musical legacies of the nomadic peoples. Free. 1 p.m. Sackler Gallery.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. And download our new Visitors Guide & Tours App for both iPhone and Android. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

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Leah Binkovitz

Leah Binkovitz is a Stone & Holt Weeks Fellow at Washington Post and NPR. Previously, she was a contributing writer and editorial intern for the At the Smithsonian section of Smithsonian magazine.