Conserving history

Conserving history

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE
Conserving history
Sdok Kok Thom. photo: Karnjana Karnjanatawe

To disseminate knowledge of archaeology for conserving historic sites and to ensure the fine mutual existence of humans and ancient sites, the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre and the French School of Asian Studies (EFEO) will host a photo exhibition and academic seminar entitled "People And Ancient Sites" at the centre in Taling Chan district, Bangkok, Nov 3-23.

The event will be inaugurated by Christophe Pottier, head of the EFEO centre in Bangkok, under the topic "Restoring Sanctuaries And History Of People". This lecture provides the perspectives of ancient-site conservation and the ties between locals and the EFEO. Pottier graduated in architecture, supplementing this with a PhD in archaeology. He was assigned in 1999 as head of the EFEO centre in Siem Reap. He directed important works of reconstruction and conservation at Angkor, in particular on the Elephant Terrace that forms the 500m frontage to the Royal Palace. His research identified a new sequence of complex occupations at that site.

Next will be architect Vasu Poshyanandana's lecture on the conservation of Sdok Kok Thom Sanctuary in Sa Kaeo province, to tell about the conservation roles of state agencies. This sanctuary is located at Ban Nong Samet, Tambon Khok Sung, in Khok Sung subdistrict near the Thai-Cambodian border. It's a stone monument constructed mainly of sandstone and laterite and is one of the large-scale Khmer stone monuments outside Cambodia.

Vasu obtained a bachelor's degree in architecture from Chulalongkorn University, CEAA (Architecture et Archeologie) from Ecole d'Architecture de Paris-Belleville CEA (Civilisation des Mondes Ancients) Universite Lumiere Lyon II, France, and PhD from Chulalongkorn University. He works for the Fine Arts Department and also at ECOMOS Thailand.

A few more archaeology academics will talk about the perceptions of people living around ancient sites since the state started to register them as national heritage. Asst Prof Thiamsoon Sirisrisak will speak under the topic "Cultural Heritage And Rights-Related Problems" and Prof Sayant Phraicharnjit on "Archaeology And Communities".

There will also be lectures and debates about problems reconstructing and restoring ancient sites. They are "Deserted Temples And Debris: Beauty VS Historical Value" by Assist Prof Praphas Chuwichian, "Reality And Conservation" by Assoc Prof Somchart Chungsiri-arak and "Value And Reality: Existence Of Ancient Sites" by Assist Prof Kasem Penphinan and "Historic Sites And Art" by Emeritus Prof Jettana Nagavajara.

The lectures and seminars will be held in Room 607 starting at 1.30pm every day, and the photo exhibition "People and Ancient Sites", in the hallway on the first floor of the centre.


Visit www.sac.or.th or call the centre on 02-880-9429 ext 3834.

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