Many images come to mind when one thinks of Afghanistan.

If a person has only been exposed to what has flooded the news media in the past year and a half, then the images that most likely come to mind are those related to war, poverty and the oppressive nature of the former Taliban regime.

However, Afghanistan has a rich cultural history that stretches back dozens of centuries.

This history is on display in the form of pottery, glass, embroidered cloth and other artifacts in the exhibit Artisans in Afghanistan: Ordinary Objects, Extraordinary Skills, in the display cases in the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center.

"Objects from a particular culture can help us to explore and understand that culture," said Claire Milner, curator of and director of museum exhibits. "An important aspect of the exhibit is that it serves as a reminder of the ordinary people behind the big stories that come out about Afghanistan."

Milner is also teaches Anthropology 380 (Museology).

Undergraduate students from this class constructed the display for the Artisans in Afghanistan exhibit.

"[The exhibit] is a unique window into a culture we don't see a lot of," said Catherine Greenleaf, one of three students who worked on construction of the display. "These items are things that, otherwise, outsiders might not have access to."

What struck Greenleaf (sophomore-anthropology) the most about the artifacts was the contrast between the aesthetic standpoint from which our society tends to view some objects and the pragmatic use these objects served. "Because of the amount of artistry that goes into producing these things, we tend to see them as art items, but for those who crafted them, they're everyday items," Greenleaf said.

Ann Shields, coordinator of the HUB Galleries, said these items could go a long way toward educating Penn State students on multiple levels.

"These are people we share this planet with. They are people with hopes, dreams, and creativity," Shields said.

"Especially now, on the brink of war, [the exhibit] gives us the opportunity to see these and other peoples of the Middle East as families.

If we can broaden our perspectives, we can start to make peace with these families of the world," Shields added.