Chuk Palu

Chuk Palu and Rahim Walizada invite you on a journey through the hidden beauty of Afghanistan, a vital crossroads shaped by many civilisations throughout its history.

Afghanistan is a land woven from stories. Tales of war, love, rivalry and beauty. Memories of the past, reflections on the present and visions of the future are crafted and recounted through poetry, the wisdom of ancient proverbs and a deeply rooted tradition of oral history. Objects, just as much as words, carry this wisdom within a long-standing artisanal heritage that bears witness to a rich and diverse geography and history.

Afghanistan has long been a cultural and commercial hub, a cradle of artistic, musical, religious and economic exchange along the Silk Road that has linked East and West for centuries. Words, objects, ideas and beliefs have travelled, blended and transformed, leaving an enduring mark on the country. Three decades of war have had a dramatic impact on Afghanistan's economy, heritage and culture. Much has been lost, yet the seeds of this great cultural ferment have been quietly preserved by artists and artisans who have nurtured their craft despite the risks and threats.