Introduction
Glistening Treasures in the Dust – Ancient Artefacts of Afghanistan
6/11/2019 - 10/2/2020
Special Exhibition Gallery,
Hong Kong Museum of History
Jointly presented by
Leisure & Cultural Services Department
National Museum of Afghanistan
Organised by
Hong Kong Museum of History
Supported by
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the People's Republic of China
Through the display of 231 items/sets of rare artefacts including goldware, glassware, bronze sculptures and ivory carvings, unearthed from the four famous archaeological sites of Tepe Fullol, Aï Khanum, Tillya Tepe (Hill of gold) and Begram, now in the collection of the National Museum of Afghanistan, this exhibition demonstrates the profound influence of foreign ancient cultures such as Greek, Indian and Roman on Afghanistan and its surrounding regions from the Bronze Age to the first century AD, as well as a cultural diversity embracing the features of different Steppe cultures. These artefacts also attest to the role played by ancient Afghanistan as the cultural crossroads of the Silk Road, which subsequently promoted the exchange and integration of world civilisations.
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Decorative disk with Cybele Temple with niches, Aï Khanum |
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"King and Dragons" pendants Tillya Tepe, Tomb 2 |
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Pair of clasps with cupids riding dolphins Tillya Tepe, Tomb 3 |
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Pair of clasps with warriors Tillya Tepe, Tomb 3 |
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Gold belt Tillya Tepe, Tomb 4 |
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Standing ram Tillya Tepe, Tomb 4 |
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Necklace Tillya Tepe, Tomb 5 |
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Crown Tillya Tepe, Tomb 6 |
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Statuette of a goddess Begram, Room 10 |
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Painted glass goblet Begram, Room 10 |
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Glass fish Begram, Room 10 |
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Blue glass goblet Begram, Room 10 |
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Medallion with Ganymede Begram, Room 13 |
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Spandrel with a leogryph Begram, Room 13 |
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Statuette of Harpocrates Begram, Room 13 |
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Plaque with Jataka scene of the Buddha's previous life Begram, Room 13 |