Pasargadae Winged Figure: Victim of Cold, Fungi and Negligence

09 January 2005

According to expert documentation, the winged figure, the most intact bas relief in Pasargadae ancient site, shows different damages on its face.

The royal figure carved on a stone pillar stands before a palace in Pasargadae. It is believed that the figure belongs to Cyrus the Great. The figure wears an Elamite dress, an Egyptian crown, and 4 Assyrian wings- all member countries of the Persian empire.

"Since we've noticed some minor damages and cracks on this bas relief, a team of experts began the process of documentation of this significant work", Babak Kial, head of Pasargadae historical complex, told CHN.

Referring to natural damages on the face of this work, Kial said that cold weather, different kinds of fungi, and cracks are the most important reasons for the damages, and the experts are looking for adequate approaches to prevent their expansion.

According to Kial, the lack of necessary documents about the past of this bas relief has made the determination of the extent of the damages impossible. The experts are going to make a stone replica of the bas relief, so that the original work can be taken to a museum, Kial said.

A few years ago, another team of experts also took measures to prevent the expansion of cracks on the winged figure. This 2500-year-old bas relief still lies in Pasargadae open space.

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