• Mar, 13 2025

Heritage Science for Conservation in Bhutan

The Museum Division, Department of Culture and Dzongkha Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, is Heritage Science for Conservation in collaboration with Dr. Ayesha Fuentes, Research Associate in Conservation at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, on behalf of the Hidden in Plain Sight (HiPS) project.

The HiPS project is a research initiative led by a team of heritage scientists, scholars, and material historians based at Queen Mary University of London and the University of Cambridge. This program builds upon and expands the ongoing collaboration between Dr. Fuentes and the Museum Division, Department of Culture & Dzongkha Development.

Project Personnel:

• Prof. Eyal Poleg, HiPS Project Leader, Professor of Material History at Queen Mary University of London https://www.qmul.ac.uk/history/people/academic-staff/profiles/polegeyal.html
• Dr. Ayesha Fuentes, Trip Leader, Research Associate in Conservation, Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology https://maa.cam.ac.uk/staff/dr-ayesha-fuentes
• Dr. David Mills, Senior Lecturer in Imaging and Calcified Tissue, Queen Mary University of London https://www.qmul.ac.uk/dentistry/people/profiles/davidmills.html
• Maciej Pawlikowski, Head of Cambridge Heritage Imaging Laboratory at Cambridge University Library https://www.cdh.cam.ac.uk/about/people/maciej-pawlikowski/
• Dr. Flavia Fiorillo, Research Associate in Scientific Research, Fitzwilliam Museum, University of Cambridge https://fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/about-us/our-staff/profile/flavia-fiorillo

The primary goal of this program is to introduce heritage science techniques and instrumentation for conservation and museum use in Bhutan. The project will focus on both non-invasive and invasive analytical methods, including:

Non-Invasive and Non-Destructive Techniques:

1. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy
2. Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
3. Computer tomography
4. X-radiography
5. Fiber-optic reflectance spectroscopy
6. Multispectral and photoscopic imaging

Invasive and/or Destructive Techniques (requiring sampling):

1. Mass spectrometry
2. Carbon-14 dating

In addition to introducing these techniques, the project aims to:

• Build capacity among heritage and conservation professionals in Bhutan.
• Create new resources for addressing issues of provenance, materials identification, and interpretation (e.g., curation and outreach).
• Promote the use of 3D modeling and advanced heritage imaging for education and outreach.
• Provide training on the maintenance, safe use, storage, transport, and repair of imaging equipment to ensure sustainable practices.

At the outcome of the program, DCDD in collaboration with Dr Fuentes will develop an illustrated glossary of key terms and guidance on heritage science instrumentation and analysis.

Funding and Equipment Donation

The workshops and team travel to Bhutan are supported by an impact grant from Queen Mary University of London, secured by Prof. Eyal Poleg, HiPS Project Leader. This grant will also

The workshops and team travel to Bhutan are supported by an impact grant from Queen Mary University of London, secured by Prof. Eyal Poleg, HiPS Project Leader. This grant will also facilitate the donation of heritage imaging equipment to the Museum Division, DCDD for conservation use.

Equipment Donation List:

• Laptops pre-loaded with image-processing software - 2 units
• Digital cameras with tripods, cases, and interchangeable lenses - 3 units
• USB-connected digital microscopes (with and without polarized light) - 3 units
• UV torches (for multispectral light sources) - 5 units
• Umbrellas, ring lights, and work lights - 3 sets

Additional Information

For further details about the HiPS team and project, please visit the official website: https://projects.history.qmul.ac.uk/inplainsight/

This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening Bhutan's capacity for cultural preservation and heritage science, fostering long-term collaboration between local and international experts.

Inaugural Ceremony on 12^th March, 2025

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon'ble Nangsi Lyonpo, and will commence with the arrival of guests and participants, followed by a traditional Marchang Ceremony performed by SAT, accompanied by the serving of Phebja Suja Desi. The event will feature a Welcome Address, followed by an Introduction to the Heritage Science Conservation Workshop & Training by Dr. Ayesha Fuentes, Trip Leader and Research Fellow at the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology. The session will conclude with a Vote of Thanks, a group photo session, and lunch. The afternoon session will introduce the workshop in detail, led by the HiPS Team members, setting the stage for the training sessions that follow.