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Monday, July 20, 2009

At the Met: Afghanistan's Hidden Treasures

Whom You Know first covered this exhibit:

http://www.whomyouknow.com/2009/05/at-met-afghanistan-hidden-treasures.html

Now that we have taken a look, we must say it is one not to be missed! The ancient exhibit covers the journey of trade along the Silk Road tracing back to a place in North Afghanistan called Bactria. The Silk Road is a metaphor for a long distance trade route. It was first developed across Asia at about 300 BC.

Bactria played a pivotal role in trade between East and West. Common pieces in this exhibit include several items about 2,000 years old: vessels, bowls, vases and figurines. We particularly liked the waterspout made out of limestone from the 2nd century BC in the form of a comic mask-quite expressive!

The last room featured jewelry from tombs. We were surprised to see that even in the 1st century AD heart-shaped earrings of gold and turquoise were being made...

Be sure to check out this exhibit-it is an education.

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