Content
Introduction
Learning from the experience acquired on previous projects, namely the Save Alchi Project and a number of individual conservation efforts undertaken by non-specialists at different temples in Ladakh, the Achi Association has decided to observe the following principles:
- All conservation work carried out under the aegis of the Achi Association will adhere to existing national and international conservation standards.
- No conservation effort will be undertaken without prior in-depth scientific analysis.
- Conservation work will only be undertaken with the agreement and co-operation of local communities.
- All stages of the preparation and conservation will be made as transparent as possible by reporting and discussing planned efforts as well as their outcome.
The way the Achi Association interprets these general principles is detailed below.
Achi Principles
A monument and its interior decoration usually have a long history of alterations and changes. In principle, the Achi Association aims at preserving the historicity of a monument and its artefacts, making the preservation of the original fabric the primary goal. Wherever possible renovation or renewal should be avoided.
The monuments worked on by the Achi Association are still in use for religious practices and cultural events. This usage results in soot on the walls from the lamp offerings and mechanical damages through abrasions afflicted by the visitors of the temple. Insufficient maintenance and unsuitable repair work result in severe problems such as leaking roofs. In addition, the monuments are also exposed to natural decay due to extreme climatic circumstances and natural calamities.
The relief work, thus, has to address a wide range of conservation issues. With regard to architecture it is necessary to look into issues of, for example, water drainage and weather exposure besides the actual structural problems. Secured architecture then allows to take measures for the preservation of the precious interiors, commonly densely filled with sculptures, paintings and artefacts.
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Primary Research
Many of the structures and artefacts the project will be dealing with are several hundred years old. It is evident that the techniques originally used for these structures must have been sophisticated. Often the current problems are due to later changes made to the monument and its artefacts. Any conservation measures therefore will be preceded by in-depth research on the building as well as its interior decoration to evaluate priorities and to find the primary causes of the problems.
In the case of the architecture the first step is to evaluate the condition of a structure. The building will be measured and any damage analysed in comparison with contemporary structures. When a threat to a building has been identified the primary cause of the current problems will be analysed. This analysis will constitute the basis for a conservation plan and any conservation measures deemed to be necessary.
The interior decoration, too, has to be analysed in the same way, beginning with an evaluation of its condition and an analysis of the damages. An assessment of the damages forms the basis for planning the necessary conservation measures.
General goals with regard to the interior artefacts are an evaluation of their condition and the way they correlate with the history of the architecture. In addition, each conservation method proposed will be tested and evaluated prior to its application.
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Transparency
In contrast to research per se, conservation work is an active undertaking that leaves permanent visual traces on a monument or its artefacts. Thus conservation demands a high degree of responsibility from the conservator. The Achi project has tried to meet this responsibility from the very beginning and is concerned to make the working concept and the working process as transparent as possible.
This transparency will be achieved by making summaries of all research results, plans, and reports publicly available at various different places (at the site itself, at a number of Ladakhi and Indian institutions) and using diverse media (printed documents and an internet site).
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Local needs
Conservation will only be made on the specific request of the locals or clergy responsible for the monument. As most of the temples are ‘living monuments’ which retain their authentic function, the needs and wishes of the Drikung Kagyu order and the population concerned have to be included in the preservation plan.
All conservation measures are therefore to be preceded by discussions with representatives of the local population and the Drikung Kagyu order. It is essential that a broad consensus is achieved before actual conservation work commences.
Based on careful analysis of the structure, the traditional techniques and materials originally used on the monument will be preferred for any architectural conservation measures undertaken. These techniques use local materials and can be employed by local craftsmen. Their long-term behaviour in the specific Himalayan climate is well known. Modern conservation and restoration materials should only be applied where the conservation goal cannot be achieved by conventional methods. Among modern materials those with documented long-term behaviour and reversibility will be given preference.
Regarding the interior artefacts such as wall paintings and sculpture, the preservation of original material is the foremost goal. Generally a very cautious surface cleaning and a consolidation of the painting layer is to be undertaken where necessary. Additional restoration measures in cases where the original surface is lost should only be applied when insisted upon by the local community.
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Flexibility
As the Achi project aims to satisfy modern conservation standards as well as local cultural and religious needs, the above-mentioned general conservation measures may have to be altered to accord with local needs. Thus, although generally aiming to follow the principles listed below these needs and the usage of a monument may demand a certain degree of flexibility, resulting in the alteration of these principles during their translation into conservation practice. In this regard the project looks forward to fruitful discussions on all aspects of conservation proposals.
The following points of discussion have been foreseen:
- In order to restore the stability of a structure, considerable alterations to the building and the use of non-traditional materials might be necessary, which may result in changes to the appearance of the building.
- There might be a local wish for alterations to a building due to a change of use. While it is not the goal of the Achi project to implement these alterations the project will consider them so that they can be implemented without affecting the conservation measures.
- Often only parts of the original interior decoration have been preserved. The European ‘code of ethics’ of modern conservation of artefacts and monuments tries to avoid any completion of missing parts, especially when the originals are very old. On the other hand, temples are living monuments where the interior artefacts have religious significance and the need for their completion may arise. The Achi project will enter into discussions in this respect with the representatives of the Drikung Kagyu order and the local population and will try to find solutions which satisfy these needs.
- The proposed preservation measures might necessitate a change in the usage of a building to avoid future damage to the interior decoration. Such cases will be discussed with the local people in order to find a mutually acceptable solution.
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