Handicrafts, artefacts go on display

MAZAR-I-SHARIF/ HERAT CITY (PAN): Two exhibitions showcasing hundreds a wide variety handicrafts and artefacts — began simultaneously in Balkh and Herat provinces on Tuesday, officials said.

The Balkh and Herat exhibitions — “Freedom Plan” and “Who I Am” — would last two and three days respectively, organisers said. The events Mazar-i-Sharif and Herat City are sponsored by the German foreign ministry’s International Psychological Organisation (IPSO).

Around 510 different handicrafts are on display. Pieces of calligraphy, paintings and other masterpieces of Afghan artists are also exhibited.

Mohammadi Niazi, the IPSO regional head in Balkh, told Pajhwok Afghan News the event would encourage artists to promote the country’s culture at regional and international level.

Considerable progress had been made in projecting the Afghan culture during the last decade but much more had to be done to promote local handicrafts, he added.  

Herat Information and Culture Director Naveed Rahman said around 150 artefacts were being showcased at the event. Pots, sport gear and music items were part of the exhibition, he added.

Saleh Mohammad Khaliq, the Balkh information director, said it was a matter of prestige to project the Afghan culture. He feared decades-old masterpieces would slip into oblivion if the government did not extend support to skilled workers.

Mohammad Nader, a student of Balkh University, said he had watched such an excellent exhibition after years. He suggested the event should last several more days.

Niazi said such exhibitions would also be arranged in Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Kunduz and Nangarhar to promote the local culture.

rm/mud

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