Mammoth dung, the Ming dynasty and the First World War will be among the topics explored by major exhibitions at the National Museum of Scotland next year.
National Museums Scotland revealed its exhibitions programme for 2014 last night, which includes the Mammoths of the Ice Age show opening on January 24.
A four-year commemorative programme marking the centenary of the First World War will also begin in 2014.
The mammoths show will feature Ice Age objects brought together for the first time in the UK, from some of the oldest human art in existence to woolly mammoth hair, preserved mammoth dung and a replica of Lyuba, a 40,000-year old baby mammoth.
It was found in 2007 in Russia, and is the best-preserved mammoth to have been discovered.
Ming: The Golden Empire will open on June 27 and will display the achievements of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) which was marked by a dramatic flourishing of the arts in China.
As well as the famous blue and white porcelain, the show will feature silk textiles, gold and jades, enamelled metal work, and detailed calligraphy.
Dr Gordon Rintoul, director of National Museums Scotland, said: "Our programme for 2014 is truly world class. I am delighted we are presenting such a significant series of international exhibitions as we continue to tell compelling stories, share this country's fabulous national collections and bring major shows to Scotland."
Two exhibitions at the National War Museum and the National Museum of Scotland will mark the centenary of the First World War. Next of Kin will open at the National War Museum on April 18 and will look at the affects of the Great War on families.
Common Cause: Commonwealth Scots and the Great War, at the National Museum of Scotland from July 11, will "explore the complex relationship between Scottish identity and the emerging national identities of the former British Empire".
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