ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Begram ivories

Begram ivories are small and delicate objects that were made in the ancient city of Begram, which used to be in the country that is now Afghanistan. These ivories are very special because they were made a long time ago, more than 2,000 years ago, by skilled artisans who used a special material called ivory.

Now, ivory is something that comes from the tusks of elephants and other big animals. It is very smooth and hard, and it can be carved into all sorts of shapes. Long ago, people used ivory to make things like jewelry, figurines, and decorative items.

The Begram ivories are very special because they were found buried in the ground, and they give us a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in Begram many years ago. They show us what kinds of things they liked and what was important to them. For example, some of the ivories show pictures of gods and goddesses that they believed in, while others show scenes from everyday life, like people riding horses or playing music.

These ivories are very important to historians and archaeologists because they help us understand the culture and traditions of people who lived so long ago. They are also very beautiful to look at and are considered to be works of art. Because they are so old and rare, they are carefully preserved in museums and handled with care by experts who want to keep them safe for future generations to enjoy.
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