OVERVIEW  



Accession numbers:
2004.1185-1221           Inventory numbers: B-D 01-37


Description / Inventory

of a Collection of

Miscellaneous Objects

Most of them Collected in 1971-75

Presented for Repatriation to the

Afghanistan-Museum in Exile

by

Paul and Veronika Bucherer


Bubendorf, Switzerland



Part I – B-D 01-37


Type of object:
Mould

Accession number: 2006.1185 Inventory number: B-D 01

Object: Seal (?)

Material/technique: Copper or bronze / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / c. 1500 BC

Brief description: Bactrian compartmented seal in high relief, stylized standing figure with pointed hat in center surrounded by matching cursive linear designs on either side. From Balkh.

Measurements: Dia. 13 cm H. 1.5 cm Weight 275 g

Condition: Worn

Reference: Ligabue, C. (1989): Bactria

Provenance: Received as gift in Kabul in 1990.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Sculpture

Accession number: 2006.1186 Inventory number: B-D 02

Object: Buddha figure

Material/technique: Stone / hand-carved

Origin/Period: Afghanistan, Bamiyan / c. 4th C.

Brief description: Small greenish stone (serpentine?) figurine of seated Buddha with halo on lotus throne. On back geometric design in shallow relief.

Measurements: W. 3.8 cm H. 4.8 cm Weight 23 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Received as a gift in Bamiyan in 1998.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Sculpture

Accession number: 2006.1187 Inventory number: B-D 03

Object: Animal figure

Material/technique: Ceramic / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / c. 500 BC

Brief description: Spout in form of hollow deer’s head, possibly a fragment of Bactrian (Achaemenid) rhyton. Small hole (dia. 3 mm) at mouth.

Measurements: L. 5.5 cm W. 3.9 cm H. 5.3 cm Weight 33 g

Condition: Repaired, three fragments glued together

Provenance: Bazaar of Mazar-e Sharif, 1998

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Sculpture

Accession number: 2006.1188 Inventory number: B-D 04

Object: Human figure

Material/technique: Stone / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Stylized human head in black stone on long cylindrical neck and square base, flat face with crudely incised features, back of head smooth and round.

Measurements: H. 8 cm W. 4.5 cm Weight 182 g

Condition: Worn, black patina

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1971 for 80 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Vessel

Accession number: 2006.1189 Inventory number: B-D 05

Object: Bowl

Material/technique: Ceramic / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / c. 12th C.

Brief description: Fragment of large bowl with incised decoration and female face with ornate turban and earrings in high relief.

Measurements: L. 12 cm W. 13 cm Weight 170 g

Condition: Fragment

Provenance: Found near the Minaret of Jam in1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Musical instrument

Accession number: 2006.1190 Inventory number: B-D 06

Object: Mouth harp

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / ?

Brief description: Flat metal upper half of mouth harp with loop at top, small hole in center and small rectangular base, crude incised decoration of an ibex; horns reminiscent of Nuristani style.

Measurements: L. 6 cm W. 3 cm Weight 25 g

Condition: Worn, heavy patina

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Musical instrument

Accession number: 2006.1191 Inventory number: B-D 07

Object: Mouth harp

Material/technique: Metal / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / c. 10th C.?

Brief description: Mouth harp with ornate flat open-work handle.

Measurements: L. 12.5 cm W. 5 cm Weight 33 g

Condition: Corroded, tuning wire missing

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Musical instrument

Accession number: 2006.1192 Inventory number: B-D 08

Object: Mouth harp

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Mouth harp.

Measurements: L. 9.5 cm W 1.5. cm Weight 9 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1974 for 5 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:





Type of object:
Container

Accession number: 2006.1193 Inventory number: B-D 09

Object: Pen case

Material/technique: Papier-mâché, metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 19th C.

Brief description: Papier-mâché pen case in two parts; outer case with ornate overall decoration in gold, three sides on black field, under side on red. Pen holder painted orange with black inner surface; small round metal ink pot at one end.

Measurements: L. 21 cm W. 4 cm H. 3.5 cm Weight 119 g

Condition: Worn

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:





Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1194 Inventory number: B-D 10

Object: Pendant

Material/technique: Metal / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Thin flat round silver pendant with small loop, overall small floral and leaf motifs in shallow relief, inscription in center.

Measurements: Dia. 5 cm Weight 5 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1195 Inventory number: B-D 11

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Solid rectangular brass jewelry mould. Pakistani?

Measurements: L. 3.2 cm W. 1.8 cm Weight 42 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1196 Inventory number: B-D 12

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Solid rectangular brass jewelry mould with two birds face-to-face. Pakistani?

Measurements: L. 2.8 cm W. 1.8 cm Weight 54 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1197 Inventory number: B-D 13

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Solid rectangular brass jewelry mould. Pakistani?

Measurements: L. 4.2 cm W. 2.1 cm Weight 62 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1198 Inventory number: B-D 14

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Solid rectangular brass jewelry mould. Pakistani?

Measurements: L. 4 cm W. 2.3 cm Weight 72 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1199 Inventory number: B-D 15

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Flat round composite brass jewelry mould with designs of varying sizes and shapes. Pakistani?

Measurements: Dia. 6.7 cm Weight 123 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1200 Inventory number: B-D 16

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Flat octagonal composite brass jewelry mould with designs of varying sizes and shapes. Pakistani?

Measurements: Dia. 6.5 cm Weight 185 g

Condition: Worn, badly tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1201 Inventory number: B-D 17

Object: Jewelry mould

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Solid octagonal brass jewelry mould. Pakistani?

Measurements: Dia. 4.8 cm Weight 143 g

Condition: Worn, tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Tool

Accession number: 2006.1202 Inventory number: B-D 18

Object: Hammer

Material/technique: Metal / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 19th C.

Brief description: Metal hammer, accessory of a flint-lock gun, with square decorated open-work handle and flat wedge at one end.

Measurements: L. 13 cm W. 10 cm Weight 130 g

Condition: Good, tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Cosmetic accessory

Accession number: 2006.1203 Inventory number: B-D 19

Object: Pin

Material/technique: Metal / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Long metal pin with thin flat bird motif at top. Possibly khol stick or hair pin.

Measurements: L. 15 cm W. 3 cm Weight 10 g

Condition: Good, tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1971 for 50 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Container

Accession number: 2006.1204 Inventory number: B-D 20

Object: Sweet container

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan ? / 20th C.

Brief description: Pair of metal containers for sweets in form of round-breasted doves/pigeons on three small feet with toes, small flat head and flat paddle-like tail, body incised with overall floral and leaf motifs. Narrow horizontal decorated belt in silver metal around rim of opening.

Measurements: L. 18 cm W. 6.5 cm Weight 350 g each

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1994.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Accessory

Accession number: 2006.1205 Inventory number: B-D 21

Object: Buckle (?)

Material/technique: Metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Articulated rectangular buckle in three parts with loops at both ends, surface niello work in floral and leaf motifs.

Measurements: L. 13 cm W. 5 cm Weight 63 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Clothing accessory

Accession number: 2006.1206 Inventory number: B-D 22

Object: Belt and buckle

Material/technique: Metal, cotton, silk / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan, Daulatabad / 19th C.

Brief description: Rectangular brass buckle, surface with repetitive floral motifs and framed inscription in center. Wide belt embroidered overall in multi-colored diamond and leaf motifs on brown field, edged in band of S motifs, lined in diagonally striped silk.

Measurements: Buckle: 7 x 6 cm, Weight 92 g Belt: 94 x 9 cm, Weight 130 g

Condition: Buckle badly tarnished, corroded; belt worn, faded

Provenance: Bought in Aqcha in 1974 for 120 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1207 Inventory number: B-D 23

Object: Necklace

Material/technique: Stone, glass / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / BC (?)

Brief description: Composite necklace of stone and glass beads of varying sizes, colors and shapes. Illegally excavated at a site near the old city of Tashkurghan.

Measurements: L. 26 cm Weight 47 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Khulm, Balkh province in 1971.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1208 Inventory number: B-D 24

Object: Necklace

Material/technique: Stone, glass, metal / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / BC (?)

Brief description: Composite necklace of stone and glass beads of varying sizes, colors and shapes and three corroded copper beads. Illegally excavated at a site near the old city of Tashkurghan.

Measurements: L. 26 cm Weight 34 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1974 for 300 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Accessory

Accession number: 2006.1209 Inventory number: B-D 25

Object: Prayer beads

Material/technique: Stone, glass, wood / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / beads BC (?); terminal 20th C.

Brief description: Composite prayer beads of varying sizes, colors and shapes, illegally excavated at a site near the old city of Tashkurghan, and a modern wooden terminal (mullagak) with tassel. Embedded in the terminal is a tiny glass lens with pictures of holy Islamic sites.

Measurements: L. 23 cm Weight 67 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1975.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:




Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1210 Inventory number: B-D 26

Object: Pendant

Material/technique: Metal, stone / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Flat rectangular gilded silver pendant with at top a band of open-work and three oval carnelians and at bottom five long pendants in gilded silver with carnelians and elongated diamond-shaped silver appliques. Center plaque with five carnelians and at sides three loops for attachment. Turkoman.

Measurements: L. 20 cm (incl. appliques) W. 8 cm Weight 105 g

Condition: Tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1974.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1211 Inventory number: B-D 27

Object: Head dress

Material/technique: Metal, stone / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Wide articulated gilded silver head dress in two rows of long narrow appliqués and spaced plaques with oval carnelians between chains; three large ornate plaques with carnelians at front and at sides; lower edge hung with long chains of varying lengths ending in flat undecorated elongated diamonds. At sides three short chains and hook for attachment. Turkoman.

Measurements: L. 39 cm W. 11.5 cm (excl. pendants) Weight 415 g

Condition: Badly tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1978 for 7,850 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:





Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1212 Inventory number: B-D 28

Object: Hair ornament

Material/technique: Metal, cotton / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Hollow spherical silver alloy ball holding two lengths of hollow flat embossed silver appliqués and beads on wound string, ending in orange and burgundy tassels.

Measurements: L. 24 cm Weight 34 g

Condition: Worn, tarnished

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1975.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Jewelry

Accession number: 2006.1213 Inventory number: B-D 29

Object: Necklace

Material/technique: Metal, stone / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 19th C.

Brief description: Torque of thick coiled silver alloy wire ending in small folded-back bud-like terminals; two decorated plaques with round brown stones at each side. From Nuristan.

Measurements: W. 18.5 cm Weight 330 g

Condition: Worn

Provenance: Bought in Barikot, Kunar Valley in 1974 for 750 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Cosmetic accessory

Accession number: 2006.1214 Inventory number: B-D 30

Object: Mirror

Material/technique: Metal / hand-cast

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / ?

Brief description: Small round brass mirror with crude circular designs and small loop in center; underside polished smooth.

Measurements: Dia. 8 cm Weight 57 g

Condition: Good, heavy patina

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-1975.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzer.land

Photograph:



Type of object:
Cosmetic accessory

Accession number: 2006.1215 Inventory number: B-D 31

Object: Comb

Material/technique: Wood / hand-crafted

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Flat two-edged comb with fine and wider teeth. Decorated with incised circles on front and back.

Measurements: L. 11 cm W. 8 cm H. .5 cm Weight 23 g

Condition: As new

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan in 1978.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Embroidery

Accession number: 2006.1216 Inventory number: B-D 32

Object: Make-up bag

Material/technique: Cotton, silk, shell / hand-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Soft square bag with triangular flap, three corners folded over and sewn up sides, opening edged in multi-colored bands of silk. Embroidered overall in yellow, orange, green, black, white, purple, blue and burgundy on red cotton background fabric. Center of floral motifs and mirrors, with wide border of mirrors. Thin twisted thread tie cord with small tuft and bead. Unlined. Baluch design.

Measurements: L. 22 cm (incl. flap) W. 16 cm Weight 40 g

Condition: Good, one mirror missing

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Embroidery

Accession number: 2006.1217 Inventory number: B-D 33

Object: Bag

Material/technique: Cotton, silk / hand-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Soft rectangular bag, opening edged in yellow braid, short green tie cord. Crudely embroidered overall in beige, yellow, blue, black, purple and fuchsia on dark red background fabric. Geometric pattern of squares and triangles. Multi-colored tufts around edges. Unlined. Pashtun design.

Measurements: L. 18 cm (excl. tufts) W. 14 cm Weight 37 g

Condition: Worn, faded

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Embroidery

Accession number: 2006.1218 Inventory number: B-D 34

Object: Purse

Material/technique: Cotton, silk, glass / hand-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Small purse, one long piece folded over with three closing snaps, edged in tight row of white, blue, yellow and orange glass beads. Embroidered overall in fuchsia, orange, green, blue, yellow and black. Horizontal rows of multi-colored elongated diamonds with horn motifs. Four pockets in multi-colored cotton, upper pocket running down length of purse, three shallow pockets. Lined in dark blue cotton. Hazara design.

Measurements: L. 25 cm W. 11 cm Weight 55 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Kabul, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:


Type of object:
Embroidery

Accession number: 2006.1219 Inventory number: B-D 35

Object: Purse

Material/technique: Cotton, silk / hand-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Small soft purse, one long piece folded over to form shallow lower pocket. Upper pocket runs down length of purse, two shallow middle pockets made from fragments of embroidered prayer cloths. Embroidered overall in yellow, orange, green, blue and black. Horizontal rows of elongated diamonds with horn motifs. Lined in white cotton. Hazara design.

Measurements: L. 28 cm W. 11 cm Weight 42 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland


Type of object:
Headgear

Accession number: 2006.1220 Inventory number: B-D 36

Object: Cap

Material/technique: Cotton / machine-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Boy’s ribbed conical cap with straight sides, edged with decorative band of cross-stitched horn motifs in fuchsia, yellow, white, green and black. Crudely embroidered 8-pointed star in white, black, yellow, blue, and red stripes over top. Short twisted yellow thread from center of star. Unlined.

Measurements: Dia. 17 cm H. 12 cm Weight 81 g

Condition: Worn, soiled

Provenance: Bought in Afghanistan, 1971-75.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:



Type of object:
Embroidery

Accession number: 2006.1221 Inventory number: B-D 37

Object: Dress inset

Material/technique: Silk, cotton, glass / hand-embroidered

Origin/Period: Afghanistan / 20th C.

Brief description: Square-necked dress front, embroidered overall in yellow, orange, light and dark blue, green, mauve, and burgundy chain-stitching on black background fabric. In center a narrow vertical panel in red cross-stitching with four small mirrors and floral motifs, on either side a panel with two squares of multi-colored concentric squares, mirror in each corner. Outer border of rectangular geometric shapes, repeated around neck opening and at shoulders. Unlined.

Measurements: L. 29 cm W. 34 cm Weight 72 g

Condition: Good

Provenance: Bought in Kabul in 1974 for 400 afghanis.

Donated by: Paul and Veronika Bucherer-Dietschi, Bubendorf, Switzerland

Photograph:

Copyright © - Photo/Text: Stiftung Foundation Bibliotheca Afghanica - Afghanistan Museum, Carla Grissmann, 2006

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