A photograph of a stonemason symbolizes …You may recognize the above photograph from my article on reconstructing the Vatsala Durga temple. It was about being the first independently funded temple to be rebuilt. The donor list is virtual empty … and that’s okay.
Nepal is looked at by most as a “tourism destination” rather than a country of great works of art. To me it’s both and a little more.
 If you read the above article or have been reading on this website for a few years you might also know that it was here in 2014 that I wondered:
 One year later and we know what happened. Moreover, aside from the earthquake we learned Nepal had never properly documented its temples properly.  Photographs can be more than just photographsThis photograph to me is more than just a man at work. It is a missing temple. A note in time. A nation rebuilding. A lesson for future generations. It’s one of the reasons I spend so much time documenting Nepal. It was the start of the Digital Archeology Foundation among other things. 
My point? Well, take it from someone who’s been there. Take lots of photographs on a nice camera where ever you are. One day what you photographed may not be there any more. Or, it might become damaged and never be the same again. Places like this do exist in the world today. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattareya Square are unique in the world. They are symbols of living heritage. Not just homes to the gods of Nepal but the people too.  You never know, your photograph may be the one that helps bring history back. Just something to think about the next time you go somewhere. Get my Guidebook to Nepal & discover more than anyone else!The most up-to-date, popular and dedicated guidebook to Nepal in the world. Take a look below and you’ll find out why! |
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Lovely photos. It’s good to see this happening. I understand the issues!
Yes, it’s very good to see an ancient monument being rebuilt by hand like this!
Do you know how much this man would be earning?
I’m not even going to hazard a guess. There’s been a lot of conjecture about how much skilled workers “should” be paid vs what they “were” being paid before the earthquake.
“The statue beside the stonemason is a King Pratap Malla” which is not True. It is the King Bhupatendra Malla.
Well done for spotting the typo! Thanks for letting me know, it’s been corrected.
Is everything done by hand? I noticed the hand chisel.
For this building yes, it’s being rebuilt only by hand.
Wow, how long will it take to rebuild the whole building?
According to local officials 2-3 years.