FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY: NOT FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION

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1 UNDP/BUE/78/023 Assignment Report Preservation and Restoration of National Monuments and Artifacts at Selected Sites FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY: NOT FOR GENERAL DISTRIBUTION B U R M A Selected 18th and 19th Century Timber Structures in Central Burma by Jacques Dumarçay (8 March - Ik April I983) UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION (Unesco) Paris, 198^ Serial No. FMR/CLT/CH/8V20^ (UNDP)

2 UNDP/BUR/78/023 Assignment Report (Dumarçay) FMR/CLT/CH/8V20íf (UNDP) Paris, March 198^

3 TABLE OF-CONTENTS Paragraph No. I. INTRODUCTION AND TEEMS OF REFEEENCE II. ACTIVITIES AND OUTPUTS 2-15 III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS APPENDIX I APPENDIX II APPENDIX III APPENDIX IV CALENDAR OF CONSULTANT'S MISSION IN BURMA LIST OF MONASTERIES AND OTHER WOODEN STRUCTURES VISITED BY CONSULTANT ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION GRAPH (MAY 1977) PHOTOGRAPHS

4 I. INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF REFERENCE 1. At the request of the Government of Burma, a Unesco consultant visited the country between 8 March and l*f April 19Ô3i within the framework of UNDP project BUR/78/023» Preservation and Restoration of National Monuments and Artifacts at Selected Sites. The mission was carried out in collaboration with the national authorities of Burma and other international consultants, with the following objectives: a) To identify and select priorities for the conservation of timber monasteries in Central Burma; b) To advise the Department of Archaeology on conservation and restoration of the selected monuments; and c) To propose specialized training, equipment and material for their conservation. II. ACTIVITIES AND. OUTPUTS 2. All the monuments visited (see Appendix II) were built between the end of the l8th century and the end of the 19th century; principally during the reign of King Mindon (I852-I878). 3. All the monasteries consisted of five parts (fig.l): (A) the pyatthat, the dwelling of the Buddha; (B ) the monks' quarters; (C) & (D) are a single construction divided into two rooms, (C) being a hall for rites in which the abbot of the monastery participates and (D) a hall for ceremonies of less importance; (E) is the kitchen and warehouse. Some of these elements have decayed and disappeared. For example, the pyatthat of the Shwe Nandaw monastery (Mandalay) is no longer extant; but it nonetheless is depicted on the frescoes of the Kyauktoggi at Amarapura. b. The carpentry used in the construction of Burmese monasteries is very simple. During the Pagan period, a flection truss of Indian origin was used. Much evidence of such trusses remains on the extant brick buildings. After this period the carpentry was greatly simplified, mainly because terracotta tiles were replaced by less heavy wooden roofing. This probably took place in the late 17th century, since the new forms appear in the frescoes of the Ananda Okkaung monastery, which dates from the l8th century. 5» According to this arrangement, pillars carry the beams (ridges and wall plates) which support the roofing (figs. 2 and k) set perpendicular to the ridge. Sometimes (e.g. in the Mandalay region, Photo No. 3) the roofing pieces lie parallel to the ridge, in which case the perpendicular pieces act as rafters.

- 2-6. Tie-beams are used to support the king-post, which in turn supports the ridge (fig. 2). Sometimes two tie-beams are superimposed and separated by queen-posts, without any lateral tension.

5 Tie-beams are used to support the king-post, which in turn supports the ridge (fig. 2). Sometimes two tie-beams are superimposed and separated by queen-posts, without any lateral tension. Vertical flection is often considerable (Photo No. 1). To avoid this problem, tie-beams are sometimes cross-shaped (Photo No. 2). 7. Before any restoration work can begin, previous repairs that are technically or aesthetically harmful need to be removed. One example of defective repair work is to be found in the central construction of the Shwe Nandaw monastery. A panel which had split down the middle was repaired with a wooden board (Photo No. *t). This has given rise to a number of problems, since the wood used has attracted white ants which went on to attack the teak, a wood they do not normally favour. The nails fixing the board have also left unattractive marks. 8. The second example is to be found in the Kin Wun Minggyi monastery (Mandalay), designed by European architects (an Italian, M. Cómodo, and a Frenchman, M. Bonvallein) with a terrace surmounted by a rotunda, after the manner of an Italian palace. This design proved to be badly adapted to the Burmese climate. While it was reasonable to construct a roof on the terrace, this particular example was so badly conceived (hiding the rotunda behind beams and sheet iron - Photo No. 3) that the monument's whole aspect has been completely changed. 9. The climatic conditions in Burma are by no means perfect. Rainfall during the first five minutes of a storm in the Mandalay region can measure as much as seven millimeters (fig. 6). In the case of the Shwe Nandaw monastery, rainfall at this rate means the roof has to evacuate l400 litres of water in that same short space of time. With the present gutters, a great deal of water leaks into the wooden structure, causing rot in those parts of the beams affected. Furthermore, the gutter drains the water to the bases of pillars. So much water channelled to a single point in this way has been disastrous for the conservation of the monument. 10. Before any restoration work can be undertaken, a team of 15 carpenters and wood carvers must be assembled on a full-time contract with the Department of Archaeology. Mandalay would be the best base for-such a team. 11. Work should begin with small structures like the two pavilions built near the tomb of King Mindon in the Royal Palace of Mandalay: the wooden tomb of King Shwebo's favourite wife (Photo No. 10) and the tomb of Queen Longshe. After a complete survey has been carried out these two structures will have to be entirely dismantled (during which operation a dismantling book must be kept), and each part cleaned with the help of a small air compressor to remove all white ant galleries. The reconstruction should then take place on the same site, on a concrete

6 - 3 - slab 30 cm thick. This could be hidden under brick flooring like that of the Thadama Zayat, Mandalay (fig. 3)«This slab would not only stabilize the base of each pillar, but would also form a barrier against white ants. 12. Differences.in pillar foundations are considerable. Sometimes they were driven in very deeply (four meters at the Min Din monastery-in Mandalay). However, it is now impossible to ascertain if the pillars were driven in to the fullest possible extent. As can be seen at the Saint Kan monastery (Photo No. l6), these differences can be considerable. 13. The Ayirawuntha Yakesan, a small monastery with beautiful wood-carving (Photo Nos. 8 & 9)1 built near Sagaing, would be a good second test. Methods would be exactly the same as above, but could demand more care. The white ants have destroyed a part of this structure, which will have to be replaced with the same very dry wood, cut if possible in the same way (it is clear that 19th century pit sawyers did not use the quarter-cutting technique, which gives less shrinkage). Ik. After these two tests have been carried out, it should be possible to undertake the restoration of more important constructions like the Shwe Inbin monastery at Mandalay (fig. 1, Photo Nos. 7 & 11). After a complete survey, a preliminary study must establish the dimensions of the concrete slab which will be required. In this case, it may not be necessary to totally dismantle the structure. It may be possible to re-establish the construction horizontally with the aid of lifting-jacks. If this should prove to be so, a detailed calendar of all operations must be kept, taking into account the casting of the concrete slab and the strength of its various parts. 15» The carpentry of the pyatthat in the upper part of the structure (fig. 5) includes timber framing panels which give cohesion to the whole structure. These no longer hold together, so all the beams must be reassembled. A better system to lead water off the roof must be decided upon. This should be possible to arrange by way of vertical pipes concealed inside the construction. III. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS l6. Each monument presents individual problems. For example, in Mandalay, the Kin Wun Minggyi monastery's roof and the water evacuation at the Shwe Nandaw monastery, and the gilt work in the On Don monastery at Bimanma (Photo No. 6); in some cases, the structures are now beyond repair, e.g. the Shwegyin monastery at Mandalay (Photo No. 1*0. Where restoration is still possible, but the monument is of less importance, it should be accorded lower priority, e.g. the Pakkan Gyi monastery (Photo No. 13).

7 - if As a last resort, sculpture can be removed from structures which are beyond saving. But this should be the exception, not the rule. For instance, the charming sculpture on the balustrade of the Yoke-sonekyaung monastery at the Salé must be kept in place and the structure restored.(photo No. 15). 18. Protection against fire is always a problem, and the installation of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places is vital. Smoking by visitors must be disciplined in some way; attention should be paid to the kitchens in some monasteries, which are considerable fire hazards. 19. For the timber monasteries, the most difficult problem will be maintenance of their huge structures (Photo No. 12 shows a gallery of more than 300 m). Inside, not only the floor but also the upper structure must be regularly cleaned to avoid insect attack. 20. The best treatment of wood is beeswax, which has the added advantage of giving it a beautiful colour. 21. As regards exteriors, it would be better to avoid using oil because dust sticks to it. New evacuation systems for rainfall should provide better protection from decay, but it must be borne in mind that restoration will never completely stop the wood deteriorating. The action of rain, wind, and wind-borne sand can only be delayed, never reversed. 22. Materials and equipment necessary for the restoration must include carpenters' usual tools, together with one or two small air compressors, twenty lifting-jacks of varying strength, and a set of steel scaffolding.

8 -5 - APPENDIX I CALENDAR OF CONSULTANT'S MISSION IN BURMA 12 March I983 - Bangkok-Rangoon l*t March I Rangoon-Pagan 22 March I983 - Pagan-Mandalay 31 March I983 " Mandalay-Rangoon 5 April I983 " Rangoon-Bangkok

9 - 6 - APPENDIX II LIST OF MONASTERIES AND OTHER WOODEN STRUCTURES VISITED BY CONSULTANT Amarapura, Pyi monastery Ava, Bagaya monastery Bimanma, On Don monastery Mandalay, Kin Wun Minggyi monastery Mandalay, Min din monastery Mandalay, Modar ordination hall Mandalay, Pyatthats of the city wall Mandalay, Sadaw Wun monastery Mandalay, Shwe Inbin monastery Mandalay, Shwe Nandaw monastery Mandalay, Shwegyin monastery Mandalay, Thingazar monastery Mandalay, Thudama Zayat Mandalay, Wooden tomb of King Shwebo's favourite wife Mandalay,- Wooden tomb of Queen Longshe Pagan, Shwezigon eastern pavilion Pakkan Gyi, Pakkan Gyi monastery Pakkoku, Shwe gu take monastery Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Phongye kyaung monastery Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Yakesan monastery Salé, Lay-tha kyaung Salé, Ngaman-aung group near Yele village Salé, Yoke-sone-kyaung monastery

10 - 7 - APPENDIX III ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS AND RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION GRAPH (MAY Fig. 1 - Shwe Inbin monastery, Mandalay Fig. 2 - Thudhama Zayat, Mandalay Fig. 3 ~ Thudhama Zayat (brick-flooring), Mandalay Fig. k - Shwezigon eastern pavilion, Pagan Fig. 5 " Section indicating interior structure of a pyatthat Fig. 6 - Mandalay - Time distribution of rainfalls, May 1977

11 - 8 - I? i-i a o U V +» n tá ö o s o X Ä W H

12 - 9 - m s \ s VV\^^V-^^^^= < S 2 F 2.m Fig. 2 Thudhama Zayat, Mandalay

13 PA On S^ X i o 1.m Pig. 3 Thudhama 2ayat (trick flooring), Mandalay

14 bu CU c o IS cu c u o +» m nj W fi o bo MH M V x: bo «H

15 O l.m Pig. 5 Section indicating interior structure of a pyatthat

16 ON í CO to c H oj «H O c o H % H f 3 ca H 13 v B H EH & H d) d fh

17 - Ik - APPENDIX IV PHOTOGRAPHS Salé, monastery near Yele village, tie-beams Amarapura, Pyi monastery, cross tie-beams Mandalay, Modar ordination hall, roofing Mandalay, Shwe Nandaw monastery Mandalay, Kin Wun Minggyi monastery, the rotunda Bimanma, On Don monastery Mandalay, Shwe Inbin monastery, pyatthat Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Yakesan monastery Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Yakesan monastery, balustrade Mandalay, wooden tomb of King Shwebo's favourite wife Mandalay, Shwe Inbin monastery Salé, monastery near Yele village Pakkan Gyi, Pakkan Gyi monastery Mandalay, Shwegyin monastery Sale, Yoke-sone-kyaung monastery Saint-kan, Saint-kan monastery

18 Photo No. 1 Sale, monastery near Yele village, tie- beams Photo No. 2 Amarapura, Pyi monastery, cross tie-b earns

19 Photo No. 3 Mandalay, Modar ordination hall, roofing ffpm*w ^^^m^^^^^^'i^^'-'^^^^^í^^^ ^^ ^ " y'"'^ ^f^^ Photo No. h Mandalay, Shwe Nandaw monastery

20 Photo No. 5 Mandalay, Kin Win Minggyi monastery, the rotunda Photo No. 6 Bimanma, On Don monastery

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21 Photo No. 7 Mandalay, Shwe Inbin monastery, pyatthat ' s. ^ -fj*-w.'w:\ : --:::;râ, Photo No. 8 Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Yakesan monastery

22 19 - Photo No. 9 Sagaing, Ayirawuntha Yakesan monastery, balustrade Photo No. 10 Mandalay, wooden tomb of King Shwebo's favourite wife

$- 20 - & (y i*^: A.'S ju kû \à W 'm%?i '^ñ;:ms a»;îp * >^ rnm^mmm *<>M\ Ilfïiiu fg> y>*.va.$

23 & (y i*^: A.'S ju kû \à W 'm%?i '^ñ;:ms a»;îp * >^ rnm^mmm *<>M\ Ilfïiiu fg> y>*.va. Photo No. 11 Mandalay, Shwe Inbin monastery / J.- * Photo No. 12 Salé, monastery near Yele village

24 >;/. «eïv Photo No. 13 Pakkan Gyi, Pakkan Gyi monastery Photo No. Ik Mandalay, Shwegyin monastery

25 Photo No. 15 Salé, Yoke-sone-kyaung monastery Photo No. l6 Saint-kan, Saint-kan monastery

BURMA extension. New Paths Await You. Fully escorted, all inclusive first class tour. Day 1. BANGKOK RANGOON

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