Displaced Persons Housing In Caves East of The Large Buddha.

1998
For centuries after Bamiyan was abandoned, nomads camped in these empty caves, leaving the walls, and their decorations covered with layers of thick shiny black soot from their fires, archaeologists spent hours and hours patiently removing the soot without damaging the original decorations. Today the caves are occupied by displaced families because security is so poor in many parts of the country. These are substantial constructions and would seem to destined to be quite permanent.

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Filename: 98-9-BAM.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 6510x4268 / 5.9MB; 1998 Afghanistan Bamiyan Houses Caves Buddha Louis Dupree Archaeological Slide LD 1998 02133
Contained in galleries: NATIONAL MUSEUM II: CE (Common Era)

1998<br />
For centuries after Bamiyan was abandoned, nomads camped in these empty caves, leaving the walls, and their decorations covered with layers of thick shiny black soot from their fires, archaeologists spent hours and hours patiently removing the soot without damaging the original decorations. Today the caves are occupied by displaced families because security is so poor in many parts of the country. These are substantial constructions and would seem to destined to be quite permanent.