by Dario Radley

An extraordinary archaeological discovery in North Korea has unveiled a stone statue of Amitābha Buddha dating back to the early 10th century, offering new insights into the spiritual and artistic heritage of the Goryeo dynasty—a time revered as the Golden Age of Buddhism on the Korean Peninsula.

The 1.7-meter-tall statue was uncovered at an archaeological location in Yakjon-ri, Sukchon County, South Phyongan Province, by a joint team from the Archaeology Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences and the National Authority for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the discovery, stating that the statue was carved when the Goryeo kingdom was still in its formative years (918–1392), a monarchical state renowned for religious devotion and a flourishing culture.

Through close examination of the hand positions and iconography of the statue, scholars have identified the figure as Amitābha, the Buddha of Boundless Light, a central Pure Land Buddhist figure. Amitābha is typically depicted seated, meditating, eyes shut in prayer, with a sense of calm and serenity. His presence is often associated with Sukhavati, a celestial realm in which the devout hope to be reborn, free from worldly suffering.

April 13, 2025

https://archaeologymag.com/2025/04/1000-year-old-buddha-statue-with-stunning-details-discovered-in-north-korea/

by Dario Radley

 April 11, 2025

In a discovery that pushes the history of human innovation back nearly 300,000 years, archaeologists in Ukraine have excavated the oldest deliberately modified ivory artifacts. Discovered at the Lower Paleolithic site of Medzhibozh A in western Ukraine, these tiny fragments of mammoth ivory—some of them intentionally shaped—suggest a previously unknown dimension to the behavior and technological creativity of early hominins.

The findings, published in a study by Dr. Vadim Stepanchuk and Dr. Oleksandr O. Naumenko in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, reveal that ivory was used by hominins at least 400,000 years ago—much earlier than the previously known oldest examples, which are about 120,000 years old.

Medzhibozh A, on the Southern Bug River near the town of Medzhybizh, was discovered in 2011 and excavated intermittently through 2018. The layers at this site span much of the Pleistocene epoch, and the ivory items recovered there were from layers that could be dated to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 11. Using electron spin resonance (ESR) and other geological analyses, researchers were able to date these upper layers to approximately 400,000 years ago.

Twenty-four small fragments of ivory were recovered, eleven of which showed definitive signs of human modification. Included among them were instances of sophisticated techniques usually reserved for the production of stone tools, including bipolar-on-anvil knapping, trimming of the edges, and flake removal. One of the fragments was a core, and another was a pointed tool, both of which provide a strong indication of deliberate shaping.

However, the utility of ivory as a material for tools is questionable. With a Mohs hardness of only 2–4—considerably softer than flint or quartz—ivory is no match for stone. This led researchers to suggest that these objects may not have been designed exclusively for practical use.

https://archaeologymag.com/2025/04/400000-year-old-ivory-tools-found-in-ukraine/

WCHV has posted a new video for Chahar Shanbe Souri.

View it at this link. Or click on the picture.

Nowruz Award 1404 – 2025

Dr. Mohammad Rahim Sarraf, archaeologist, translator, and university professor, has received the Nowruz Award for Personality of the Year in the Field of Cultural Heritage.

• A lifetime of dedication to preserving and promoting Iran’s rich history and culture;

• Years of teaching and mentoring numerous doctoral students in archaeology, which has left an indelible mark on the field;

• Significant contribution to excavations such as Bishabur and Hegmataneh Hill;

• Research on the Uraman reliefs, demonstrating commitment to uncovering and understanding Iran’s past;

• Authorship of invaluable books like “Elamite Reliefs” and “The Religion of the Elamite Tribe,” along with numerous scholarly articles, and translation of works like “Sumerian and Akkad” and “Ancient Mesopotamian Art,” which have enriched the understanding of the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Dr. Sarraf stands as a pioneering figure in Iranian archaeology. As one of the last professors and archaeologists trained both within Iran and abroad during the Pahlavi era, he has dedicated his career to serving Iran’s rich cultural heritage and history. Many of the post-revolutionary archaeology masters and doctoral students from the University of Tehran were privileged to learn under his tutelage.

Despite the turmoil of the Islamic Revolution and the war, a time when many archaeologists left Iran, Dr. Sarraf chose to return upon completing his studies. He has stated, “During the revolution, I was torn between leaving or staying. But I remembered the students who are waiting for the return of people like me who have been sent abroad to study and to pass on the knowledge they have learned. And I decided to stay.”

Dr. Sarraf’s students describe him as a professor with unwavering ethics, patience, and an endearing demeanor.

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Mr. Cyrus Zare, restorer of historical monuments and activist for the protection of cultural heritage, received the Nowruz Award for the personality of the year in the field of restoration of historical monuments:

– More than forty years of restoration work in various historical heritage sites throughout Iran

– Supervising the Bam Citadel Restoration Group after the earthquake

– Organizing some museums, including the Siraf Museum and the restoration of pottery at The Persian Gulf Maritime Museum

– Collaborating in the production of the four-part documentary series “A Tour of Persepolis” with “Mohammad Ali Inanlu”

– Making documentaries to familiarize the younger generation with Iranian history and culture and advising them on making such documentaries.

Zare is one of the best restorers and activists for preserving Iran’s cultural and historical heritage after the Islamic Revolution. He was born in Marvdasht. And like most people in Fars Province, especially Marvdasht, he has been familiar with important parts of Iran’s historical and cultural monuments since childhood and has had a special interest and attention to them, so much so that if you ask him where he was born, he will simply say: “Next to Persepolis Cyrus Zare chose restoration work as a job at the age of twenty-nine, but over time he became deeply familiar with the values of cultural and historical heritage and, as he himself says, “fell in love” with this profession. Restoring these monuments was no longer a “job” for him, but a necessity to preserve the values of these treasures of his homeland. And after that, he devoted all his time to learning restoration work (from Iranian and non-Iranian masters) of this profession.

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Ms. Minoo Ejleh, publisher and civil activist, received the Nowruz Award for “Person of the Year in Publishing” in the field of publications:

• • Twenty-seven years of efforts in publishing books for children, women, and Iranian history abroad

• • Publishing books related to literature, the history of Iran, and Islam that are banned in Iran

• • Helping to publish the works of Iranian writers and artists in exile and registering them in collections for a free Iranian tomorrow

• • Helping to preserve the Persian language abroad through the publication of children’s books

Ms. Minoo Ajelleh is the first female Iranian publisher abroad. While many women have published their own works or their own publications abroad after the revolution, Ajelleh chose “Forough Publishing” as a career. She and her husband, Mr. Hamid Mehdizadeh, chose “Forough Publishing” not only as a profession with which to make a living, but also as a useful (and non-market) tool to help preserve the Persian language and to help reflect the knowledge and new ideas of freedom-loving and Iran-friendly writers. Together, they have been in charge of managing this publishing house for twenty-seven years, to the extent that some now know Ms. Ajelleh by the name of Forough. In addition to her duties as a publisher, Ajelleh has spent years collaborating and participating in programs and meetings organized in Germany and other European countries for “Books Without Censorship.”

Following an annual tradition, the Pasargad Heritage Foundation has selected a name for the upcoming solar year 1404 on the eve of Nowruz, the most significant holiday and celebration in Iranian culture.

This year, the Foundation has designated the new year as the year of “Celebration of the Persian Language.” As always, the Foundation’s goal for naming the year is to highlight the rich and compassionate aspects of Iranian culture while raising awareness of detrimental practices that threaten our heritage and culture.

While we celebrate the diversity of languages spoken in our land, it is important to recognize the unique role of Persian language. As one of the first languages used in our ancient land, and the language in which most of our cultural, historical and literary works have been written—even during periods of Turkish and Arab invasion—Persian is inextricably linked to our national identity.

The Pasargad Heritage Foundation has always been dedicated to preserving Iranian history and culture. In light of the recent resurgence of national pride and the hope for a brighter future for our homeland, we believe it is crucial to further strengthen our national identity.

We have therefore designated the upcoming year as the “Year of the Persian Language.” We invite you to join us in celebrating and promoting our rich linguistic heritage.

This year marks the 90^th anniversary of the establishment of the first Academy of Iran in 1935. This institution was founded by decree of Reza Shah and with the approval of Mohammad Ali Foroughi and the cabinet to reform the Persian language and script. Its goals included refining the Persian language by removing inappropriate non-Persian words, reforming the Persian script, preparing a modern grammar, and encouraging poets and writers to create valuable works in Persian.

We believe that recognizing this anniversary is especially important now as the Persian language faces challenges in our country. It is concerning that even members of the ruling government use non-Persian words, prayers, and slogans in their Nowruz announcements. Commemorating the Academy’s establishment can serve as a reminder and a positive step toward preserving the Persian language.

The Pasargad Heritage Foundation has designated the solar year of 1404 (globally 2025) as the “Year of Celebrating the Persian Language.” We invite everyone to join us in this celebration by writing and speaking about the Persian language. By sharing knowledge and insights, we can help to familiarize the roots and values of this language, especially among the younger generations.

We believe that by working together, we can raise awareness of the importance of the Persian language and ensure its continued vitality for generations to come.

Happy Nowruz! Wishing everyone a beautiful and blessed Iranian New Year.

Shokooh Mirzadegi

Pasargad Heritage Foundation

Nowruz 1404 – March 2025