The Conservation of Monuments in Pagan, Myanmar

Transcription

1 UNDP/MYA/86/019 M Y A N M A R Assignment Report Conservation of Cultural Serial No. RACAP/PROAP/91/2 Herjtage ^ Se ected For internal use only : not for general distribution Sites in Myanmar The Conservation of Monuments in Pagan, Myanmar by Pierre Pichará International Project Coordinator UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Bangkok 1992

2 UNDP/MYA/86/019 Assignment Report (Pichard) RACAP/PROAP/91/2 Bangkok, 31 March 1992 Note: This report reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of UNESCO.

3 Contents page INTRODUCTION 2 PROGRESS OF ACTIVITIES Conservation of monuments Conservation of mural paintings and stuccoes Documentation Master plan for Pagan archaeological area Training Mobilization of international assistance Evaluation and monitoring Conclusions and recommendations 12 Annexes : 1 - Diary of the mission List of persons contacted Specimen of record file for Inventory of Sculptures 16 Abstract The implementation of Project MYA/86/019 is progressing in 1991 according to the main objectives of the project, particularly for conservation in mural painting, monument preservation and training in selected fields. However, delays have occurred in the fielding of experts, in delivery of equipment and in organizing fellowships abroad, and these activities are now re-scheduled for December 1991 and January A more detailed assessment of the Project implementation, achievements, and problems can be found in the Report of the Tripartite Review Meeting (UNDP, Yangon, 7 August 1991).

4 INTRODUCTION The present mission was undertaken from 26 June to 9 August 1991 (see annex 1: diary of the mission), as a regular co-ordination mission under project MYÀ/86/019, approved on 6 December 1989, whose effective implementation started in 1990 and is expected to be completed by the end of The terms of reference were as follows: 1 - to prepare a work-plan for the implementation of the above-mentioned project in consultation with the National Co-ordinator. 2 - to prepare, together with the National Coordinator, a framework for effective participation of national and international staff. The framework will determine the effective roles of the national and international staff. 3 - to collaborate with the National Co-ordinator in the implementation of the project, in particular as regards: a) the preservation and restoration of national monuments and artifacts as selected sites through the activities of: (i) the survey of monuments, artifacts and other items considered part of the cultural heritage of Myanmar including the damage assessment of each structure and the determination of priorities for preservation or restoration activities; (ii) the preservation and restoration activities including restoration of the selected monuments, artifacts and murals; 2

5 (iii) the specialized training of technical personnel with emphasis on application of suitable techniques in the above fields; (iv) the preparation of the Department of Archaeology's plan for recurrent operational costs, maintenance, repair and depreciation of equipment provided under the present project, b) the establishment of the national teams which will be in charge of: (i) survey of cultural heritage; (ii) strengthening of monuments and artifacts; (iii) treatment and conservation of mural paintings and stuccoes; and (iv) protection of the Pagan archaeological area. PROGRESS OF ACTIVITIES 1. Conservation of Monuments. As mentioned in earlier reports, two distinct agencies are involved in the conservation of monuments in Pagan: - The Public Works Department (formerly Construction Corporation), which carries out most important works, particularly on the major monuments. The present work-force of its Conservation Unit amounts to 135 workers in 5 teams under the guidance of a civil engineer and her assistants. - The Department of Archaeology, which implements minor repairs and conservation works on small monuments, with 73 workers divided into 3 teams under the leadership of 3

6 archaeological officers and an assistant engineer. 1.1 In 1991, the PWD is carrying out repairs and restoration works on the following monuments: - Structural reinforcement in progress on Thabyin-nyu temple On-going masonry repairs on Pyatada temple Site preservation and masonry repairs in the Hsinbyu-shin monastic complex. The main temple, Hsinbyu-shin 697, has been repaired though not strengthened against future earthquakes. The ruined monastery 698 has been completely cleared of debris and is now under repairs, the basement of ordination hall 700 has been restored and several secondary monastic units are progressively repaired. - Masonry repairs on 12th century temple Structural reinforcement on Mahabodi temple Clearing of debris and first masonry repairs have been started on the large monastic structure 448 in Minnanthu. This multi-storeyed building with wide vaulted rooms has been in poor condition for a long time, and was severely cracked during the 1975 earthquake. Its conservation is an urgent necessity because of its uniqueness in the Pagan context, but involves dangerous works on unstable masonries and must imperatively be completed by a thorough structural strengthening The Department of Archaeology has implemented emergency or partial repair works on several monuments (Loka-hteik-pan temple 1580, Shwe-san-daw stupa 1569, Winido group, etc.) and undertaken the complete repair of temple 4

7 1422, north of Mingala-zedi and of monastery 1415, whose repair is nearly completed. In addition, on-going conservation works are in progress on the city wall, excavations around Shwe-gu-gyi 1589, and structural repair and restoration works on the wood monastery east of Taungbi village Field training and technical discussions with the project experts will intensify in December 1991 and January 1992, aiming at improving the quality and standards of workmanship, and at organizing a systematic integration of the structural strengthening in the conservation process, since the present tendency to implement masonry repairs independently while leaving strengthening for an eventual second phase results in waste of time and in unwanted demolition of building parts previously repaired. Training of national specialists under the project is also planned to achieve better supervision and control in the field. 2. Conservation of mural paintings and stuccoes. For the first time in 1991, two teams have been concurrently at work in Pagan: in addition to the on-going conservation works expected to be completed by the end of 1991 in Kubyauk-gyi temple 1323, selected in 1983 as a pilot monument, conservation works have now started in Abe-ya-dana temple Field training has been provided in July 1991 during the mission of R. Lujan to improve the ability of the teams and to introduce the newly appointed trainees to their future task. In addition, a member of the team was selected to join the ICCROM course on conservation in India. 5

8 The next ICCROM mission in December 1991 will involve three experts, who will be actively involved in further field training sessions. The consultant for stone conservation, whose mission on Nan-paya 1339 temple is also scheduled for December 1991, will provide training in this closely related field. For future activity, a priority list of 12 monuments with mural paintings has been proposed by the Department of Archaeology, but this list has been drafted on purely archaeological criteria, concentrating on 12th century paintings, without enough consideration of their actual condition. A more logical approach would be to combine archaeological and conservation criteria, since there are paintings from later periods, mostly 13th century but 18th century as well, which are presently in a more critical condition and sometimes in real danger of disappearing. It is thereby proposed to revise the list in December with the asistance of ICCROM experts, who will undertake a first diagnostic of several monuments in Pagan and grade the urgency of their consolidation and preservation. They will also identify monuments where a short term emergency intervention is urgently necessary, as was done previously in a few temples. Members of the conservation team will of course participate in this technical assessment, which is by itself an essential part of their theoretical and practical training. Up to now, very few of the trainees have been permanently recruited as staff members by the Department of Archaeology, and most of them are paid as daily wagers. The project is presently supplementing their wages as an 6

9 incentive for long term employment, but it has been clearly stated that the Department of Archaeology will have the complete charge of their salary in the future. This must be included in its next budget, and a policy of gradual recruitment must be set up, since it will not be possible to implement any long term conservation activity on mural paintings in Pagan and Myanmar without the permanent assignment of these qualified specialists. 3. Documentation Inventory of monuments. Several additional structures, mostly unexcavated brick mounds, have again been included in the Inventory, which now includes 2430 items. As mentioned in the previous report, the inventory will remain open ended for the eventual inclusion of any new item in the future. The draft of the first volume, covering monuments from 1 to 255, had been given for checking to the Department of Archaeology and was returned after correction in September Its publication is foreseen for 1992, if financial assistance can be secured to supplement the contributions of the project and of EFEO Inventory of sculptures. With the permanent assignment of a photographer in Pagan by the Department of ARchaeology, all sculptures can now be systematically recorded, beginning with the numerous stone images which have been brought in the Pagan Museum from isolated temples. A specimen of proposed recording file is given in Annex 3. These records will be imperatively needed in case of theft and illicit exportation, to have a legal standing for 7

10 recovering the stolen properties. As recommended in previous reports, the stone images stored in the Museum for greater safety are progressively replaced in their original location by gypsum replicas, and 77 replicas have so far been moulded Photogranmetry. The engineer recruited by the Department of Archaeology has been selected for further training at Delft University, Netherlands. It will however be useful to supplement this theoretical training by a 2 month practical session in France, where the recording unit of the Ministry of Culture is using the same equipment which was previously provided by the Project to the Department of Archaeology in Yangon Publications. A mission by a professional photographer is scheduled at the end of the conservation works in Kubyauk-gyi temple, to carry out a complete colour photographic record of the paintings. Officers from the Department of Archaeology have already prepared the texts for a comprehensive book on the temple, which can be issued in co-operation with a private publisher. 4. Master plan for Pagan archaeological area. As previously recommended, an inter-ministerial Committee for the preparation and supervision of Pagan Master Plan has been set up with 9 members from the major involved departments, and an architect has been selected as counterpart to the consultant whose mission is planned for December Together, they will more preccisely identify the concerned areas in and around Pagan, and outline the Master Plan, which should be finalized and presented to the Committee in

11 Material previously prepared will be available at that date, including the archaeological map of Pagan and already published studies. A new aerial photographic survey has been requested. Concurrently, the Department of Archaeology is exploring the legal possibility to protect officially the Pagan area as an archaeological zone, with provision for selective protection. This will eventually require an amendment to the Ancient Monument Preservation Act. It is again pointed out that this Master Plan is urgently needed to co-ordinate the activities of several agencies presently involved in Pagan. Pending its approval, such activities should be strictly controlled by the Department of Archaeology to avoid unwanted damage to the monuments and their environment, and primarily to the Pagan landscape. 5. Training Fellowships. The Department of Archaeology has selected its candidates for the three fellowships planned abroad in 1991, and the co-operation of the British Council has been secured to assess and improve their proficiency in English. After exploring several possibilities the following set up has been decided: - Mr. Kyaw Tun Aung, six-month fellowship on museology and conservation of art objects at the Archaeology School of Archaeology and National Museum in New Delhi, India. - Ms. San San Maw, six-month fellowship on museology and conservation of art objects at the University College in London, UK. 9

12 - Mr. Aye Ko, nine-month fellowship on architectural photogrammetry at Delft University, Netherlands, and if possible practical training at the Inventaire General in Paris, France. - Mr. Than Htay, from the Pagan team, has been selected to follow the ICCROM course on conservation of mural paintings in India. - Mr. Myo Nyunt and Mr. Ye Myint have been sent to EFEO in Pondicherry to be trained in architectural drawing and survey under three-month fellowships granted by the French government. 5.2 Study tours. Three officers actively involved in the project will be given the opportunity to observe the implementation of similar activities abroad: - 6 weeks in Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand for brick masonry conservation (one person). - 3 weeks to inspect the implementation and management of historical park projects in Thailand and Indonesia (2 persons). 6. Mobilization of international asistance. The promotion tour in Europe by the Director-General of Department of Archaeology and his assistant, to develop awareness to the future needs for long term assistance and to mobilize the active participation of governmental and non-governmental institutions, is rescheduled for May The Physical Heritage Division of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris will make preliminary contacts and prepare the programme of this tour. The possibilities of additional bilateral assistance have been explored with the following countries: 10

13 6.1 - Japan. Two Japanese experts have visited Pagan and other sites in January 1990, one for planning of historical sites and the other for restoration of timber monasteries. Their reports and proposals for a possible follow up are expected. The possibility of direct financial assistance for cultural activities is presently under discussion with the Japanese authorities France. Two fellowships for training at the EFEO centre in Pondicherry have been given to the Department of Archaeology in Finland. A proposal for the restoration of timber monasteries in Myanmar has been made by a Finnish nongovernmental institution. Its team of architects, restorers and art historians is willing to provide training and technical assistance to actual conservation work in Myanmar, and a Finnish technical laboratory on wood preservation can be involved in the programme. Contact: Irene Moilanen, Lakeissuontie 13 B 28, Kuopio, Finland Italy. The possibility to start a joint archaeological training and excavation programme in Myanmar in co-operation between the Department of Archaeology and ISMEO is under consideration. 7. Evaluation and monitoring. A Tripartite Review Meeting was held on 7 August 1991 with the participation of all concerned agencies: - Department of Archaeology, Yangon Headquarters and Pagan Branch. - Foreign Economic Relations Department, Yangon. - UNDP, Yangon 11

14 - UNESCO Headquarters, Paris and Principal Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok - Project National and International Co-ordinators. 8. Conclusions and recommendations. Detailed conclusions and recommendations appear in the Minutes of the Tripartite Review Meeting held in Yangon on 7 August The most important point is the need to improve the regular implementation of project activities through the timely delivery of equipment and material, and to reduce delays when fielding consultants and sending national trainees on fellowships abroad. 12

15 ANNEX 1 Diary of the mission Arrival in Bangkok 27/ Meetings with Mr. I. Khan, UNESCO RACAP Arrival in Yangon Meetings at UNDP and Dept. of Archaeology Meeting at Dept. of Archaeology Travel to Pagan. Meeting with R. Lujan and U Aye Maung Field work with the Department of Archaeology Arrival in Pagan of Mr. Lujan, mural painting expert Inspection of monuments with PWD engineers Site inspection by UNDP Programme Officers Departure of Mr. Lujan, mural painting expert Travel to Yangon Meeting at UNDP with Mr. I. Khan, UNESCO RACAP Meeting at the French Embassy, Yangon Meeting at the British Council, Yangon Arrival of Mr. Manhart, UNESCO-Paris Tripartite Review Meeting at Dept. of Archaeology, Yangon Travel to Bangkok Meeting with Mr. I. Khan, UNESCO RACAP, Bangkok 13

16 ANNEX 2 List of persons contacted Department of Archaeology, Yangon : Colonel Than Maung, Director-General U Kyaw Wei, Director U Nyaunt Han, Assistant Director, National Project Co-ordinator U Than Swe, Assistant Director U Aye Ko, Photogrammetry Engineer Department of Archaeology, Pagan : U Win Than Tun, Conservator U Aung Kyaing, Research Officer U Aye Maung, Conservation Assistant Public Works, Pagan : Daw Tin Nwe Aye, Assistant engineer, Special Restoration Unit UNDP, Yangon : Mr. G. Merrem, Resident Representative Mr. R. Sethna, Deputy Resident Representative Ms. F. Pansieri, Assistant Resident Representative (Programmes) U Hla Myint Hpu, Programme Officer UNESCO : Mr. I. Khan, RACAP, Bangkok Mr. C. Manhart, Division of Cultural Heritage, Paris 14

17 British Eabassy, Yangon: Mr. Ralph Isaacs, Cultural Attache Frenen Enbassy, Yangon: Mr. Alain Briottet, Ambassador Mr. Yves Contassot, Cultural Attache 15

18 ANNEX 3 DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY - PAGAN INVENTORY OF SCULPTURES No DESCRIPTION: ESTIMATED DATE: MATERIAL: INSCRIPTION: MEASUREMENTS Height: Width: Thickness: ORIGINAL LOCATION: PRESENT LOCATION: REMARKS: FRONT Date: SIDE Date: Neg. No Neg. No