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Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul
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Plaque with women under gateways, 1st–2nd century A.D.
Afghanistan, Begram
Ivory; 5 3/8 x 9 3/4 in. (13.8 x 24.7 cm)
National Museum of Afghanistan, Kabul, 04.1.48
Photo: © Thierry Ollivier / Musée Guimet
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The fact that women and their activities predominate in the imagery of the Begram ivories has led some scholars to suggest that the ivories were intended for use in women's quarters. This densely carved plaque shows four women, one of whom is holding a child. The voluptuous bodies, diaphanous clothing, and lush jewelry parallel traditional Indian representations, which also focus on the beauty and fertility of young women. The figures are shown standing underneath gateways that derive from Indian architectural traditions and are lushly decorated with floral and geometric motifs.
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