Stoneyards and Artists in Gandhara The Buddhist Stupa of Saidu Sharif I, Swat (c. 50 CE)

Abstract

The book advances a hypothetical reconstruction of the planning and programming of the building site, the executive process, the construction and decoration, and ultimately the deconsecration and abandonment of an ancient Buddhist stupa in Gandhara. The chronological context is the mid-first to the early fourth century CE. The stupa is located near the town of Saidu Sharif in the fertile and rich Swat valley, a northern region of ancient Gandhara (today in Pakistan). The study is based on archaeological excavation data conducted at the site over several seasons. The narrative frieze of the stupa of Saidu Sharif represents one of the highest moments of Gandharan Buddhist art. The frieze is the product of a sculptural school guided with a sure hand by an anonymous Master, to whom the responsibility for the entire project should be attributed – architect, master builder and workshop master all in one.