#mesaynak

[iconem]

Monday’s picture: a view of Mes Aynak, archaeological site doomed to disappear (Afghanistan).

Estimated reading time: 2 min.

In this photo gallery you can admire some pictures of Mes Aynak, archaeological site around 40 Km. southeast of Kabul.

It is commonly thought to be one of the biggest archaeological sites existing (composed by 19 independent sites along the valley!) comprising small forts, a citadel, four fortified monasteries, several Buddhist stupas, a Zoroastrian temple and ancient copper mines. 

The high presence of natural sources as copper has indeed led a Chinese company to the planning of modern extraction sites in Mes Aynak: this huge work will destroy the majesty of the ancient archaeological remains.

Iconem, together with the DAFA (French archaeological mission to Afghanistan) and local archaeologists has been there to save this heritage in 3D.. 

[iconem]

Our 3D model of a Buddha sculpture found in Mes Aynak site, Afghanistan.

Bouddha in Mes Aynak by Iconem on Sketchfab

Click on the player to view the 3D model made by Iconem. Like and share it if you want to support our work!

If you want to know more about the archeological site of Mes Aynak and how we’ve managed to make this 3D model...look at the interwiew with Yves Ubelmann.

[archaeologicalnews]

Afghanistan’s ancient jewels finally see the light of day

THE gold still glistened after a more than 1,000 years underground; the gemstones glinted at their first touch of sunlight, undimmed by a millennium in the dirt.

“It’s a necklace,” said a Polish archaeologist breathless with excitement. “They’ve found a gold necklace!”

As the fine grey sand of Afghanistan’s sun-bleached mountains was gently sieved away, there was treasure in the pan: tiny golden orbs adorned with even smaller gold beads, tulip-shaped pendants no bigger than a fingernail, red gemstones and swirling gold bowls, like acorn lids.

Next to them were two spoons and a brooch made of copper, green from corrosion, and two copper hairpins embellished with gold.

Excavations at Mes Aynak have already unearthed three Buddhist monasteries and an ancient copper mine replete with statues, coins, reliefs and murals – which is more than enough to secure its place as one of the most significant archaeological digs in a generation.

Yet last week’s discovery was the first time since archaeologists started work in 2009 that anyone has found jewellery in the mountains, 35km south of Kabul, and with at least three more monasteries still to be explored, Afghan officials hope the discoveries will elevate Mes Aynak into the archaeological pantheon, alongside Tillya Tepe, home of the Bactrian hoard. Read more.