Scores of ancient artefacts that survived the destruction of war in Afghanistan have been brought to Sydney for a new exhibit.
The pieces were saved from the National Museum in Kabul in the late 1980s by staff concerned at the risk posed by the civil war that broke out in Afghanistan in the wake of the failed Soviet invasion.
More than 230 pieces, including sculptures, glassware, and ancient works of art, will be on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from tomorrow.
The items were hidden in a vault in the presidential palace in Kabul for 14 years, saving them from the destruction of many other artefacts by the Taliban.
They re-emerged in 2003 after the Taliban were driver from power by US-led forces.
Zahir Youssofzay, an archaeologist from Afghanistan who is now based at the University of Sydney, played a vital role in saving the treasures.
"The situation had become very chaotic in Afghanistan at that time, so the government of Najibullah decided to put some of precious objects in some places where safety is granted," he said.
"They asked some archaeologists and museum staff. It was very difficult to take all objects from the Kabul museum so we chose some objects which was very precious."
Art Gallery of NSW director Michael Brand says the exhibit reflects the rich cultural diversity of Afghanistan.
"It is a rare privilege to have these treasures here at the Gallery," he said.
"This is also a story of the heroism of many individual Afghanis in saving their cultural heritage."
The items on display date from around 2200 BC to 100 AD. The pieces have already been displayed in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The Sydney exhibit will also include a display of works by Afghani-Australian artist Khadim Ali.
Afghanistan: hidden treasures from the National Museum, Kabul will remain at the Art Gallery of NSW until June 15.(ABC)
The pieces were saved from the National Museum in Kabul in the late 1980s by staff concerned at the risk posed by the civil war that broke out in Afghanistan in the wake of the failed Soviet invasion.
More than 230 pieces, including sculptures, glassware, and ancient works of art, will be on display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales from tomorrow.
The items were hidden in a vault in the presidential palace in Kabul for 14 years, saving them from the destruction of many other artefacts by the Taliban.
They re-emerged in 2003 after the Taliban were driver from power by US-led forces.
Zahir Youssofzay, an archaeologist from Afghanistan who is now based at the University of Sydney, played a vital role in saving the treasures.
"The situation had become very chaotic in Afghanistan at that time, so the government of Najibullah decided to put some of precious objects in some places where safety is granted," he said.
"They asked some archaeologists and museum staff. It was very difficult to take all objects from the Kabul museum so we chose some objects which was very precious."
Art Gallery of NSW director Michael Brand says the exhibit reflects the rich cultural diversity of Afghanistan.
"It is a rare privilege to have these treasures here at the Gallery," he said.
"This is also a story of the heroism of many individual Afghanis in saving their cultural heritage."
The items on display date from around 2200 BC to 100 AD. The pieces have already been displayed in Melbourne and Brisbane.
The Sydney exhibit will also include a display of works by Afghani-Australian artist Khadim Ali.
Afghanistan: hidden treasures from the National Museum, Kabul will remain at the Art Gallery of NSW until June 15.(ABC)
Source : Afghan Voice Agency (AVA), International Service
