"Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum" Tour with Nadia Tarzi November 1, 2008

"Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum" is an extraordinary exhibition of objects from the National Museum in Kabul. Over 200 artifacts on display, from four different sites along the ancient trade route, the Silk Road, were long thought to be stolen or destroyed during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan (1979-90) or the civil war and Taliban rule that followed. Traveling to the United States for the first time, they not only give us a glimpse of Afghanistan's ancient past but tell their own story of redemption and dedication to preserving the past against all odds.

Nadia Tarzi gives a unique perspective on the objects in the collection. She explains the original excavation and re-discovery of the artifacts and the harrowing stories of their rescue, while discussing the issues surrounding cultural heritage preservation during wartime and the importance of this heritage in shaping the national identity of Afghanistan.

This is the latest offering from SAFE Tours, which provide an insider's look at museum collection and focus on artworks and artifacts that have dubious provenance or are presumed to be illicit. Also highlighted are objects that have been excavated properly. The information we are able to gather from these artifacts is contrasted with the lack of information from items without provenance, or history of origin.

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Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of Savingantiquities.