Architectural terracruda sculptures of the silk roads: new conservation insights through a diagnostic approach based on non-destructive x-ray micro-computed tomography

Abstract

This work presents the results of the study of a fragment of architectural terracruda sculpture from the Buddhist archaeological site of Tepe Narenj (Kabul, Afghanistan, fifth-ninth centuries CE) through X-ray micro-computed tomographic analysis. This technique offers great potential for the study of artworks that, due to their nature, condition, or relevance, are not suitable for sampling. The results have provided useful data for understanding the making of the sculpture showing for the first time the relevance of materials of plant origin used in the composition of the clay-based body, a feature that had not been previously highlighted and which appears to be crucial for proposing suitable conservation interventions.