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Abstract

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Historical museum of Bern received a generous donation: a significant collection of Oriental art. Comprising approximately four thousand objects, this collection had a substantial impact on the museum's collection and exhibition history over the following century.

The collection was assembled by Henri Moser, a Swiss individual who traveled through Central Asia four times during the latter half of the 19th century. High-quality gifts, such as weapons and horse harnesses from the Emir of Bukhara, formed the foundation of his collecting endeavors.

The presentation provides insights into the collection and highlights the historical contexts in which it was created. It explores the individual thirst for adventure and the desire for prestige within the framework of European 'Orientalism,' as well as the expeditions and military occupations of the Central Asian region. Additionally, it addresses current issues and the contemporary significance of these collection objects.