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GeneralWho was only westerner to live/work in Sar-e-Sang?

1st Sep 2006 19:47 UTCDavid Jordan

Does anyone know a guy from England (?) who was the only westerner to live/work in Sar-e-Sang in the 80-90's and traded lapis lazuli?

I met him in a rock shop in Dublin during the mid 90's, all I remember is he had a very unusual (funny) surname. He explained that he just arrived back from Afghanistan and without warning, he poured a hand full of dark green crystals in my hand. I did not initially realise what they were (very dark). So I said, "Are you giving these to me?" , "Oh no" he said "they are gem quality Emeralds from a newly discovered deposit in Afghanistan". I held them up to a spotlight and indeed they were particularly fine emeralds, but quite a bit darker then the usual Colombian emeralds.

He told me he had worked in Sar-e-Sang for a few years and he was one of the few traders through which Lapis Lazuli reached the west. Women, he said, would be killed on sight at Sar-e-Sang. The mines are holy and women bring bad luck.

A few years later, there was a BBC News Night report about the Sar-e-Sang mines by (I think) John Simpson. The same guy I met in the rock shop showed the reporter around the mines.

1st Sep 2006 22:48 UTCJohan Kjellman Expert

I have a candidate for you. I met a guy - an old hippietype - in Peshawar 1986, who had been on the sub-continent at least since the 70's when he used to travel the three K's - Kabul, Kathmandu and Kuta Beach. He travelled back and forth, when I met him at least between Peshawar and Goa, wheeling and dealing. He had a large stock of Lapis in his room. If I recall right, his name was Morgan.

all best

2nd Sep 2006 17:25 UTCDavid Jordan

I found this short news report by John Simpson about the Sar-e-Sang mines. Unfortunately, he does not mention his guide.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/west_asia/23517.stm

4th Sep 2006 08:44 UTCMark W

Could this be Guy Clutterbuck?

He has written a super book on "Gemstones on Afghanistan" with lots of locality info, and is something of an expert on the subject having travelled extensively in the region in the 80-90s.

4th Sep 2006 10:42 UTCDavid Jordan

Yes, thatâ€™s him without a doubt!

I remembered that his name was as odd as Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy character who designed Fjords. I must buy his book. Thanks.

Here is Guys website.

http://www.lapis-gemstones.com/guy.htm

17th Jun 2007 23:00 UTCamanda clutterbuck

The westerner you refer to is my brother Guy. Why were you interested in his somewhat adventurous life?

22nd Jun 2007 22:38 UTCMo

Your brother has just appeared on the QVC shopping channel and mentioned a book which he wrote or had assisted someone to write. Would you kindly inform me of that title/author if it is possible ?

What an amazing life he has experienced. Does he ever give lectures ?

29th Jun 2007 02:28 UTCamanda clutterbuck

Yes he does give lectures. He has also been referred to in books by the BBC World Affairs Editor, John Simpson ( with whom he travelled to the mines in Afganistan) and in a book by an American called Garry Bowersox.

14th Sep 2007 17:06 UTCChris Watson

was Guy at school in Surrey? Is he about 50?

14th Sep 2007 17:39 UTCMary L. Daves

I don't know if this is the person you are thinking of but we had a man come to a business a few years ago who had a great supply of lapis. His last name was Bowersox.

20th Sep 2007 20:38 UTCAnthony Denny

Has Guy written his autobiography, and if he has what is the name of it and who publishes it?

Watching him on QVC is magic. He brings everything to life. I haven't enjoyed listening to peoples lives so much for a long time. Wonderful.

1st Aug 2009 18:15 UTCPaloma Sanchez

Hi Amanda.

I am trying to contact your brother Guy.

I am a very good friend of his from GIA, California.

Could you please give him my e-mail adress?

Thanks

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