THE Bagan Branch of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum has announced that iron rings with spikes have been discovered between the decorative mouldings near an encircled stupa on the fourth terrace of the Thatbyinnyu Temple, a World Heritage site in Bagan. The discovery was made during ongoing conservation work conducted jointly by the Bagan Branch of the department and conservation experts from the People’s Republic of China.
A total of 11 rings were recovered on the northwest, southeast, and southwest corners. The announcement stated that research conducted on the bricks and plaster at the site where these rings were found confirmed that they date back to the Bagan era. Furthermore, the rings were discovered embedded within the brickwork between the decorative mouldings.
Research into whether iron rings were embedded within walls during the Bagan period indicates similar findings elsewhere: Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Pagoda, Abeyadana Pagoda, Nanpaya Pagoda, and Gupyaukgyi Temple (Myinkaba).
The findings regarding the 11 iron rings discovered at Thatbyinnyu Temple have been submitted to the Committee for Verification of Antiquities and archaeological experts in Nay Pyi Taw for further authentication. — Htun Htun/ZN
