RELIGIOUS HISTORY IN ART

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 111, 3 February 1934, Page 18

RELIGIOUS HISTORY IN ART

Apron of Carved ones

An apron of carved human bones, cases of artistic treasures and more than 200 photographs of the frescoes of the Monastery of Toling, one of the oldest and finest in Tibet, are among the, mementoes brought, back by the well-known’ Italian explorer and archaeologist, Professor Tocci, from the land of the Lhamas. In an Interview with a London correspondent on his return to civilisation after five months of research work in This little known country, Professor Tucci claimed that these photographs are “of unrivalled interest for the religions history of Buddhism, as well as for the history of Indo-Tibetan art.” “There is,” he said, “little doubt that in Toling many Indian artists must have worked. Probably (hey were refugees from India when it was invaded by the Mahommedans. Tibet’s temples still preserve many monuments and works which have disappeared from India itself.

“Unfortunately, these marvellous frescoes which cover the walls of the. monastery of Toling arc fast fading owing to the deplorable neglect in which they have been left. The rain dropping through the ceiling, which has been left unrepaired for years, is also washing them away. “The value of the photographs which I have been able to take is thus the greater, for in a few years there may be nothing left of the originals.” Professor Tucci has also brought back with him a large number of cases containing many treasures of Tibetan art for his collection in Rome, which he intends to leave to the Italian nation after his death. One of the most curious pieces which he has succeeded in obtaining is a ceremonial collar and apron made entirely of elaborately carved human bone's. He has giver, the’ Government of India a brief report on the results of his work in Tibet.—Reuter—Special to “The Dominion.”