TAXILA: National and international watchdogs for protection of ancient archaeological sites and cultural heritage, expressed concern over the replacement of the heads of Buddha statues at the centuries old Jualian stupa.

The work, taken up under the pretext of “restoration and preservation” is feared to be endangering the authenticity of the site which dates back to 2nd Century AD.

Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums (FDOAM) director general Mohammad Arif while talking to Dawn said the statues should be kept ‘in situ position’ and any conservation work especially use of new mortar should be avoided. He termed the situation ‘very tragic’.

He expressed fear that due to tempering with the centuries old statues at the ancient stupa, Unesco may enlist the site as “in danger”, bringing a bad name to Pakistan, especially among Buddhist countries.

“Making new heads for the ancient statues is against the Unesco charter and ethics of archaeology,” he said.

He said that the Taxila Museum Reserve Collection has a vast collection of antiques from Jualian, and if the officials concerned want some preservation work done, they should place these heads on the statues so that authenticity is not lost.

Mr. Arif said that before the department was devolved to the provinces, following the 18th Amendment, the site had remained well managed and protected. The Federal Department of Archaeology and Museums had developed it as a tourist attraction.

Unesco spokesman in Islamabad Riaz Karim Khan, while commenting on the issue, stated that “as per Venice Charter of conservation and restoration of monuments and sites, replacement of missing parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but at the same time must be distinguishable from the original so that restoration does not falsify the artistic or historic evidence. It should involve the same material and same original technique”.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2014