Afghanistan – Rescued Treasures of Buddhism

Náprstek Museum (Prague)
Exhibitions (5.2.2016-30.4.2016)

Location:
Náprstek Museum of Asian, African and American Cultures, Betlémské nám. 1, Praha 1

At present, Afghanistan is often perceived as a distant country, where numerous war and military conflicts have taken place in the past. Despite this fact, a unique and highly varied cultural tradition has arisen there, one which is globally unique.

Head of Buddha, 4.–7. century A.D.

The exhibition: “Afghanistan — Rescued Treasures of Buddhism ” provides visitors with a short excursion into that country, by introducing the course of the different phases in Afghan history, its ancient civilisation and important business contacts that have significantly affected the development of this region. Everything on view to visitors of the exhibition is made possible by the unique collection of items borrowed from the National Museum of Afghanistan in Kabul.

The new exhibition in the Náprstek Museum specifically presents Afghan Buddhist relics from the period of the 1st to the 9th centuries AD, mainly supported by archaeological research in the Mes Aynak site. Even though the link between Buddhism and the territory of Afghanistan may seem a bit unusual, its influence on the formation of the local culture was immense.

Afghan sites and relics are currently very vulnerable. The artefacts brought here were restored in the restoration workshops of the National Museum, including the material and technological survey. This restoration could also be implemented thanks to the significant assistance from military units. Among others, the exhibition is accompanied by items and photographs from the collections of the Military History Institute, associated with the participation of Czech soldiers in Afghanistan.

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