Wednesday, 6th December 2006 (4434 views)

Golden artefacts from the first century AD have gone on show to the public for the first time in Paris.

Some 228 objects collectively known as the hoard of Bactrian gold are being showcased from today at the Musee Guimet in France's capital.

They were found by archaeologists in 1978 but then disappeared while 23 years of disruption hit Afghanistan following the Soviet army's invasion in 1979.

It was feared that warlords had smelted the gold until 2003 when President Hamid Karzi announced that the gold had been stored in a Kabul bank.

Now the items, which include bracelets, swords and crowns, will form an exhibition called Afghanistan: Refound Treasures which will tour the world.

Other objects are shaped as cupids, dragons, dolphins and represent the synthesis of cultural influences from Greece, China and India as armies converged on the historic Silk Road, a trade route which connects Europe, Africa and Asia.

Frederik Hiebert, an archaeologist who has studied the treasures, said: "This gives us a glimpse of a centre on the Silk Road at the height of the first century.

"We used to think of the Silk Road as a link between China and Rome. Here we see a separate centre of art, by a nomad people capable of extraordinary craftsmanship."

 

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