[MSN] Afghan Art, Artifacts Returning To Country

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Afghan Art, Artifacts Returning To Country
Mar 16, 2007

Some of Afghanistan's greatest historical treasures are on their way home to the country after spending almost a decade at a museum in Switzerland.

The art and cultural items -- including a foundation stone laid by Alexander the Great -- were donated to the museum to preserve them from possible destruction during Afghanistan's civil conflict.

Afghanistan Is Now Judged Safe Enough For Their Return.

The return of the more than 1,000 items has been described as one of the largest repatriations of a country's cultural heritage since World War II, the BBC said.

The art and artifacts -- including items from hand-woven carpets to everyday tools -- have been stored since 1998 in Afghanistan's museum in exile in the Swiss town of Bubendorf.

The pieces were donated by Afghan refugees and Europeans returning from a visit to the country to preserve some of Afghanistan's cultural heritage during the years of the Taliban regime, when many priceless works were destroyed. (c) UPI

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