Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul

Internationally noted archaeologist Iain Shearer introduces the exhibition. A graduate of University College, London, Iain is a Fellow of The Royal Asiatic Society and recent Sackler Scholar for Afghanistan and Iran at the British Museum. His extensive experience while working and researching in Afghanistan will bring this exhibition to life.

An illustrated talk by Susan Scollay will provide a brief overview of some of the outstanding gold jewellery, weapons and other objects excavated from the tomb of an ancient Central Asian nomad warlord and the luxuriously adorned females buried nearby. As well Susan will highlight some of the precious objects that were traded along key branches of the Silk Road that criss-crossed Afghanistan in the 1st century AD.

About the Exhibition

A remarkable exhibition of stunning artefacts revealing Afghanistan’s rich culture. Afghanistan was at the heart of the Silk Road, the trading route travelled by Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Marco Polo, linking ancient Iran, Central Asia, India and China, and the more distant cultures of Greece and Rome.

Visiting Australia for the first time, this exhibition, with more than 230 priceless treasures, some thousands of years old, offers a rare opportunity to discover the surprising, untold story of the long and extraordinarily rich culture that is Afghanistan.

For years these artefacts were thought lost or destroyed as war shook the country. In 2003, they were uncovered from vaults in the central bank of the presidential palace, where they had been placed in secrecy by a few courageous staff from the National Museum, Kabul.

Program

1:30 Iain Shearer | 2:15 Susan Scollay | 2.35 - 3.30pm Afternoon Tea | 3.30 - 5.00pm Entrance to the Exhibition

Date: 16th May 1:30-5pm

Venue: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton

Cost: $60.oo per person. Bookings Essential Ph: 03 98226899 Email: info@asatours.com.au