From 1,700 B.C. to 300 A.D., Nubian monarchs across the Sudanese Nile Valley controlled sprawling empires and trade networks. It was an area where gold was abundant. Due to excavations carried out by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition in the early 20th century, MFA Boston possesses the largest collection of Nubian art outside of Khartoum. Curator Denise Doxey says that “Nubia deserves to have a place in history equal to Egypt, but has tended to be overlooked for various reasons.” Drawing from the Boston collection, this exhibition displays sculpture, decorative arts, and pottery, not to mention jewelry that is distinguished by innovative technique and sophisticated design. The show’s highlight? Jewels worn by Nubian queens. —J.V.