Abstract
The project intends to investigate the sculptural production in clay and stucco that, from about the 3rd century BCE to the 8th century CE, developed across Iraq, Iran, Central Asia and the north of the Indian subcontinent (Fig. 1) and implement a multifunctional virtual data centre for the collection, preservation and dissemination of information as well as for the promotion of active research and training. Despite its significance, this formidable tradition, with its wealth of meanings, technical and material knowledge, local and trans-regional aspects, remains only vaguely known due to the poor preservation of its physical remains (Figs 2-3). The political problems that affect some of the areas under investigation, such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and more recently the pandemic, add further challenges to not only the direct inspection of materials but also to the preservation of the artefacts themselves. This makes all the more urgent the demand for a strong preventive action of documentation and study that can only be met by a team of scholars who are already active in this field, connected with local counterparts, and supported by a wide network of international collaborations. The project builds on an integrated approach, multi-disciplinary and trans-regional, which is not solely concerned with best preserved forms but also with the informative potential of any relevant archaeological trace and fragment (often underestimated and therefore more at risk of being lost). Based on a solid nucleus of data (already partly available to the team) and with the aid of archaeometric investigations, hypothetical reconstructions will be attempted of iconographic motifs and decorative programmes, as well as of the technical aspects of production. The collected data will be made available in the form of a user-friendly digital catalogue and used within the same platform to create a virtual museum, as a space where research and dissemination meet. While research aims at revivifying the historical and artistic importance of still largely neglected productions by bringing to light specificities, interconnections, artisans’ mobility, transmission of models, adaptive equipments, and environmental accommodations, dissemination works towards enhancing the protection of this fragile cultural heritage by enabling people to smoothly explore and experience its value. The team is composed of 3 research units, with specific and internationally recognised expertise: 1) University of Naples “L’Orientale” for the area of Afghanistan/Pakistan (PI Prof. A. Filigenzi); 2) Sapienza University of Rome for ancient Tokharestan and Khotan oasis (Resp. Prof. C. Lo Muzio); 3) Bologna University for Iraq and Iran (Resp. Dr L. Colliva)
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Raimondo Secci
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Beni Culturali
Coordinator:
Istituto Universitario Orientale di NAPOLI(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 61.440,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
