Iranian bas-relief returned from London undergoing analysis
The significance of the Sassanian bas-relief carving returned from London was examined during a conference titled, “The Ancient Iranian Bas-Relief Carving: Restoration and Study in the National Museum of Iran.”
Scholars from the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Research Institute, university researchers, and independent scholars engaged in three specialized panels to discuss their expert insights about the repatriated bas-relief, ILNA wrote.
Mostafa Dehpahlavan, the head of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Research Institute, conveyed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts that led to the restoration and return of the artwork to the National Museum of Iran. The carving’s detailed examination aimed to provide a deeper understanding of its essence.
Dehpahlavan emphasized the importance of academic cooperation and transparent research processes.
He highlighted the value of such sessions where scholars scrutinize and critique each other’s works, ultimately contributing to the dissemination of accurate scientific knowledge.
Morteza Adibzadeh, the director general of Museums and Historical-Cultural Property of Iran, described the process of repatriation as complex and time-consuming, involving both sensitive diplomatic negotiations and legal considerations. He expressed hope for the successful return of historical-cultural properties to Iran this year.
Adibzadeh cautioned local researchers against hasty judgments and premature conclusions, urging them to avoid prejudgment before thorough examination.
He emphasized the role of scientific and technical analysis in preserving and understanding cultural heritage artifacts.
Jebreal Nokandeh, the head of the National Museum of Iran, defended the collaborative efforts between global museums, indicating their adherence to international conventions for heritage preservation. He encouraged scholarly and technical discussions, highlighting the significance of objective scientific evaluations.
The conference included three specialized panels, which delved into various aspects of the Sassanian bas-relief’s restoration and study. Scholars discussed topics such as the relief’s artistic and historical attributes, its journey from London to Iran, and its cultural and stylistic features.
As the panels concluded, the event emphasized the importance of scholarly collaboration, careful analysis, and the need for accurate information dissemination in the digital age. The examination of the bas-relief’s technical aspects, historical context, and architectural features aimed to deepen the understanding of this significant cultural artifact.
This conference reflects the dedication of Iranian scholars, institutions, and museums to promoting meticulous research practices and fostering cross-disciplinary cooperation, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.