Science: Archaeology: Regional: Asia: Afghanistan

A short description of Gandaharan art, exploring Gandhara's role in the evolution of the Buddha image.

An article by the Archaeological Institute of America detailing the ongoing efforts to rescue the collections of Afghanistan's National Museum.

Some images of pre-islamic pieces of the Kabul Museum prior to its destruction.

The UNESCO emergency fund for Afghan culture. With image gallery and video.

A collection of photographs by Dr. Volker Thewalt of Kabul Museum exhibits, Bamiyan, and other important sites in Afghanistan.

A report that more and more impoverished villagers are digging up Afghan treasures in illegal excavations to earn income. From the Institute for War and Peace.

Museum curators risk their lives to protect a 2nd century AD stone wine bowl carved with Bacchanalian scenes of naked women and satyrs dancing and feasting.

A news report documenting the pillaging of ancient sites in remote Afghan villages and the multi-million dollar smuggling industry that sends ancient artifacts abroad. From the British Institute for War & Peace Reporting.

Information on the debate of ownership of Buddhist manuscripts from Afghanistan presently held in the private Schyen Collection in Norway.

An article reporting the acquisition of the 2000 year old Kushan Rabotak Stone. Includes statements of tolerance for archaeological remains by the Taliban.

Article on a stone inscription in Sanskrit found in Mazar-i-Sharif in northern Afghanistan which gives insight into the reign of the Hindu Shahi ruler `Veka' in the 10th Century.

Describes how antiquities are being smuggled from Afghanistan by the truck load, with huge quantities of objects making their way to Britain.

Report on a legendary store of 2,000-year old Afghan treasure, including gold and ancient manuscripts, found intact.

A history of the building and destruction of Afghanistan's archaeological treasures as seen through the life of archaeologist Dr. Chaibai Mustamandy.

Paper presented at the AIA conference by Afghanistan's National Institute of Archaeology on the impact of war upon Afghanistan's cultural heritage.

Investigates a case of possible corruption in the arrest and immediate release of several thieves intent on stealing archaeological relics.