Afghanistan has long been a crossroads of cultures from both the east and the west.
1st century C.E. - present
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Dado Panel, Courtyard of the Royal Palace of Mas’ud III
Once painted and gilded, this panel was part of a larger frieze bearing commemorative Kufic inscriptions.
Crossroads of the ancient world
Stunning objects like this ancient gold pendant tell a history of Afghanistan too often eclipsed by war.
Bamiyan Buddhas
These colossal figures presided over the Bamiyan Valley for over 1000 years; the Taliban demolished them in 2001.
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