Time passes and work in Nepal continues with interesting results.
Nutan Sharma, who has been my research partner in Nepal, recently produced a fascinating documentary video on the renovation of Tashi Gomang chaitya of Svayambhu for UNESCO. Tibetans call it “the stupa with many auspicious openings” due to the many doors holding images in its outer wall. The small chaitya was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake and, as a result, had to be excavated and rebuilt. Prior to the work, the chaitya divinity had to be appeased and was transferred into a holy vessel. After completion of the renovation it was reinstated with a special ceremony.
During the excavation, a large amount of foundation deposits were discovered. As is customary in Nepal, dedications had been interred within the building. Next to innumerable tiny mud stupas, also valuable metal objects, coins, and icons were recovered. After documentation, they were reburied during the reconstruction of the new building.
The project was carried out in collaboration of UNESCO, the Department of Archaeology, and The Federation of Svayambhu Management and Conservation, and was supported many other entities and individuals.
Preservation of metalwork in Nepal 