KARACHI, March 1: The National Museum of Pakistan has put on display a silver waist belt (Kamarpati) as the object of the month, says a press release. "The National Museum of Pakistan has some of the finest specimen of folk jewellery.

The silver waist belt which has been put on display consists of small embossed charm pieces joined together with small rings. The top of the belt charm is knob-shaped and small silver jingling rings/bells form an artistic arrangement at the lowest part of the belt, with a delicate chain handing like a fringe. The ornament displays the artistic excellence of the Northern Areas," says the release.

It adds that jewellery in the Northern Areas has been a rich mixture of Persian, Greek, Scythian, Pathian, Hindu, Bactrian and Kushan influences. It adds that great conquerors like Alexander, Chandra Gupta and Ashoka all passed through the gates of the city and established their role in these areas in glittering succession.

"Most of the ornaments are made of gold and silver. The latter is generally used for folk jewellery. Rich traditional jewellery in silver or debased silver is found throughout the rural areas of the country but the most striking different pieces are found in the Northern Areas."