PANAJI
Over three months since workers unearthed centuries-old carved stone slabs near Panaji municipal garden, the government has decided to showcase the artefacts at the Goa Museum amid uncertainty about finding missing parts of remaining partial-stone sculptures found at the site.
The discovery, made during Smart City’s pavement work on April 30, sparked interest but the Archaeology Department is in a tight spot over the missing fragments.
Minister for Archaeology Subhash Phal Dessai confirmed that the artefacts will be displayed at the museum after a thorough examination by the department. “We are investigating the exact era to which these artefacts belong and other related aspects. The department will conduct a detailed study before handing them over to the museum for public view,” Dessai told The Goan.
The first slab, which was discovered in two broken pieces and later reassembled, depicted a bearded man playing a musical instrument with an animal at his feet. The stone is thought to be either granite or sandstone and some researchers suggested that the carving may represent a “Paulist” -- missionary from the Society of Jesus, known for spreading Catholicism in the Portuguese Empire’s Asian territories.
However, around 6-7 other fragments found during subsequent excavation work could not be reassembled as the matching pieces are supposedly still buried somewhere around.
Sources revealed to The Goan that further excavation to locate the missing pieces may not be pursued as there’s no confirmation of their location. “Digging exclusively to find these missing pieces doesn’t make sense. Several places in Goa possibly have ancient artefacts buried beneath. These broken sculptures could be one of them,” the source said quickly adding, “We will ensure these remain intact as government property because a few ancient findings in the past were either stolen or lost.”
The Paulist stone sculptures, dated to the late 16th or early 17th century, are currently in the safe custody of the department. The source indicated that further studies may be conducted if necessary, but the artefacts will remain with the department until a final decision is made regarding their display.
It however remains unclear whether the artefacts will be transferred to the new museum currently under construction or kept at the present temporary facility.
