via Bangkok Post, 01 August 2024: Over-reconstructing Southeast Asia’s archaeological sites can harm their historical integrity, argue Jeff Allen and Waraporn Suwatchotikul of the World Monuments Fund. Heavy-handed restorations, like those in Bagan, Prambanan, and Ayutthaya, often prioritize aesthetics over authenticity. A more careful, minimal intervention approach can better preserve historical sites for future generations and enhance public understanding of their true past.
For decades, restorations of Southeast Asia’s archaeological sites have typically involved transforming the past rather than faithfully presenting it. Conservationists often take a heavy-handed approach, embellishing a site to effectively “manufacture” a ruin that will appeal to visitors. But this tends to do more harm than good.
Unfortunately, enhancing ancient ruins has become the regional standard. Conservation projects build up the sites and fill in the gaps, whether this involves stone, laterite, brick, plaster or wood. The most architecturally iconic elements are especially likely to be fixed up to look complete and intact. Sometimes, structures are reconstructed from scratch. Instead of ensuring historical accuracy, officials favour creating a visually impressive experience that they hope will bolster tourism and business.
But this intervention deprives visitors of the opportunity to experience a true sense of the past. Instead of trying to captivate visitors with aesthetics, the focus should be on restoring a site carefully and accurately. This empowers visitors to understand the meaning of the place and history.
