A Mission to Protect Nepal’s Soul

Imagine a world where centuries-old statues vanish—forgotten, eroded, or stolen—taking with them the stories of our ancestors. For Nepal, a country deeply rooted in cultural heritage, this is an all-too-real possibility.

With this in mind, we set out on a mission to preserve two iconic statues: the Ugrachandi statue, a five-foot-tall masterpiece from the Malla dynasty, and the Prajapati statue, a modern creation by Nepal’s leading woodcarver, Pratham Raj Bajracharya. By blending advanced technology with traditional craftsmanship, we aimed to safeguard Nepal’s cultural identity while empowering the artisans who have preserved it for generations.

Nepal’s cultural artifacts face a multitude of threats: environmental degradation, lack of formal protection, urban encroachment, and theft. These challenges are exacerbated by the lack of digital documentation, making restoration or replication difficult in the face of damage or loss.

The Ugrachandi statue, located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and standing five feet tall, has weathered centuries but remains vulnerable to urban encroachment and natural wear. Similarly, the Prajapati statue, a modern wooden marvel, risks being lost without proper preservation methods.

Our Journey: From Digital Models to Physical Artistry
Our preservation journey began at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, where the Ugrachandi statue stands as a testament to Newar craftsmanship from the Malla dynasty. With its intricate carvings and towering five-foot presence, capturing every detail of this iconic artifact was paramount.

Using advanced 3D scanning and photogrammetry techniques, our team meticulously documented the statue. Over 500 high-resolution photographs were taken from various angles to ensure that no detail was overlooked. These images were then processed using AI-powered photogrammetry software, which reconstructed the Ugrachandi into a highly accurate 3D model. To refine the digital replica, tools like Meshmixer and Ntop optimization were employed, ensuring even the smallest carvings and textures were faithfully reproduced.

For the Prajapati statue, a similar process was undertaken. Crafted by Pratham Raj Bajracharya, Nepal’s foremost woodcarver, this modern masterpiece was documented with 200 photographs. Its detailed 3D model underwent the same rigorous refinement to achieve unmatched precision.

But these digital models were just the beginning of the story.

Creating a Physical Replica of Ugrachandi
Turning a digital model into a physical artifact required state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. For Ugrachandi, we created a 7 kg mold using PLA filament, printed over 250 continuous hours. The process involved:

• Filament used: 7 kg (2340 meters).
• Nozzle size: 0.4 mm.
• Layer height: 0.2 mm.
• Shell thickness: 6–10 mm.

To maintain the statue’s natural proportions, we incorporated organic supports for complex overhangs and trimmed excess materials with precision.

Breathing Life into the Mold
The 3D-printed mold became the foundation for the next stage. Using traditional techniques, a resin and wax model was created from the mold. These models were then handed to Newar artisans, whose expertise in lost-wax casting brought the replica to life.

With their centuries-old techniques, these skilled craftsmen transformed the wax model into a brass replica, blending modern precision with cultural authenticity. The result was a faithful reproduction of the original Ugrachandi statue, complete with its intricate carvings and timeless artistry.

For Prajapati, a smaller 3 kg mold was 3D printed in just 100 hours, employing the same attention to detail. Artisans used this mold to create an authentic wooden replica, showcasing the craftsmanship of Nepal’s renowned woodcarving traditions.

The true heart of this project lies in its impact on Nepal’s artisans. By involving local craftsmen in the replication process, we showcased how traditional skills remain vital in a modern world. These artisans brought a human touch to the statue, ensuring it retained the soul and spirit of the original scripture.

This collaboration bridged the gap between technology and tradition, offering artisans new opportunities to thrive while preserving their craft. For us, this was about more than creating a replica—it was about reviving a legacy.

Preserving Ugrachandi and Prajapati isn’t just about safeguarding a piece of art; it’s about protecting a piece of Nepal’s identity. This project represents a scalable model for heritage preservation that can be applied to other endangered artifacts across the country. Here’s why it matters:

1. Cultural Sustainability:
   • By creating a detailed 3D model, we’ve ensured that the scripture’s artistry is permanently preserved. This model can be used for future restorations, educational purposes, and exhibitions.
2. Global Access:
   • Digital archives and future applications like virtual reality (VR) will allow people worldwide to explore Nepal’s heritage, fostering greater appreciation for its cultural treasures.
3. Empowering Communities:
   • By integrating artisans into the process, we’re not just preserving artifacts—we’re empowering communities, creating sustainable livelihoods, and passing down invaluable skills.

The success of the marks the beginning of a larger mission to protect Nepal’s heritage. Looking ahead, we aim to:

• Scale this methodology to other historic artifacts, temples, and monuments at risk.
• Incorporate emerging technologies like drone-assisted photogrammetry and augmented reality (AR) to enhance preservation efforts.
• Build a centralized digital archive of Nepal’s cultural treasures, accessible to researchers, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide.
• Partner with international organizations to bring advanced tools and funding into the preservation ecosystem.
• Educate and inspire the next generation to take pride in their heritage and actively contribute to its preservation.

The preservation of Ugrachandi and Prajapati proves that innovation and tradition can work hand-in-hand to protect Nepal’s cultural soul. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: preserving Nepal’s heritage is a shared responsibility. It’s about honoring our past while building a brighter future. This project proves that when tradition meets innovation, incredible things can happen.

Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a tech innovator, or someone who values history, there’s a place for you in this journey. Together, we can ensure that Nepal’s cultural treasures inspire and educate for generations to come.

Let’s breathe life into history—one artifact at a time.