The project for the Preservation of Endangered Moveable Cultural Assets of Gandhara Art was part of the UNESCO Programme for the Preservation of Endangered Moveable Cultural Assets and Museum Development initiated in 2004. The objectives of this Programme were stated in a proposal by the Director-General to the General Conference in 2003. The document explained that “the programme focuses on sites and collections in danger through the preservation of otherwise endangered cultural objects and artifacts. It seeks to make them accessible to local populations as elements of their tangible cultural heritage. In addition, the proposed activities will increase the number of catalogued objects, so that they can be better protected against theft “ Action, in this context focused on the following main areas: preservation of movable heritage, with special emphasis on study and publication, inventories, capacity-building and training of staff in protecting cultural property and assets, museology and conservation, as well as manuscripts.”

In line with these directives, the project proposal submitted by UNESCO Islamabad identified the following objectives:

Registration of Gandhara objects in a standardized inventory system and establishment of proper conservation conditions of the objects in display and storage. Initially, the biggest challenge in launching this project was the large number of institutions involved and of activities expected to start simultaneously. Those elements required extensive consultation and strict coordination with several governing authorities, a difficult task at the start of a complex project.

As a result of several reviews and discussions between Pakistani authorities and the staff of the UNESCO Paris and the Islamabad office, the number of museums participating in the initial phase of the project was reduced to three. The smaller number of participants (and governing authorities) allowed easier decision-making and coordination. The project included:

1. Peshawar Museum and its storage facilities

2. Sir Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum (SSAQ) Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology at the University of Peshawar and

3. Swat Museum and storage facilities in Saidu Sharif

Prior to the launching of the project, a feasibility study was carried out by UNESCO Islamabad in cooperation with the Directorate, Archaeology and Museums, Government of NWFP and the Federal Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. The study highlighted that the conservation conditions in the sites involved in this project required immediate attention. The report concluded that the most endangered Gandhara objects were the stucco, terracotta and schist stone sculptures. However, the Gandhara collections — as well as other collections housed in the same institutions - also include bronze objects, stupa models, toilet rays, inscriptions, coins, jewellery, ceramics and architectural elements. The information provided by the institutions indicates that humidity, water filtration and pests are common problems, all of which have a harmful effect on many materials.

In light of the findings emerging from the feasibility study, a general assessment of existing conditions of the selected museums and the objects housed therein was conducted. The assessment identified the major conservation problems in each site, and provided elements for a comprehensive conservation work plan. The situation called for storage areas to be reorganized with some new shelves, separating the objects by types and materials, and in some cases identifying new storage facilities, fixing the roof or sealing the windows.

Registration of endangered moveable cultural assets of Gandhara Art has been accomplished in the three museums selected for the project. Joint efforts of UNESCO, the NWFP government and the federal government are reflected in this publication in the form of a catalogue of selected artifacts from the Gandhara treasure.