Drapham Dzong Excavation BH 72
Phase I: October 2008 to 31 December 2010
Budget: CHF 200,000 (SLSA, Helvetas)
Partner: Division for Conservation of Heritage Sites (MoHA)
Contact: Nagtsho Dorji,
Location: Bumthang
The project centers around the historical site of the Drapham Dzong in Chokortoe, Bumthang. The project is supported by the Swiss-Liechtenstein Foundation for Archaeological Research Abroad (SLSA) in Zurich/Switzerland.
The project has the goal to contribute to the strengthening and institutionalization of archaeology in Bhutan through the following Expected Outcomes:
Excavation, documentation, analysis and interpretation of the archaeological site (Drapham Dzong) completed
Technical archaeological capacity of the Department of Culture strengthened
Awareness and capacity for cultural resources management improved
Achievements
From October to December 2008 a team of specialists (Archeologists, historians, architects, rural engineers) from Switzerland and Bhutan carried out excavation work at the site. The excavations provided opportunities for hands on training and the formulation of plans and strategies for the institutionalization of archeology in Bhutan.
This initial excavation, concentrated on the main structures on top of the ridge established that the main structures stretch over a length of over 200 m and include strong fortification elements such as watch tours, and surrounding walls.
The layers formed during the use of the structures are thin and only limited artifacts (fragments of cooking vessels, ceramics, animal bones) and carbon samples have been found. Most of these samples have been send to Switzerland for further analysis and or carbon dating.
Outlook
In 2009 a similar excavation campaign is planned
Continue support towards institutionalizing archeology
