A teenage Assyrian boy, Nenous Thabt, in Iraq sculpting a Lamassu - continuing the art of his ancient ancestors. You can like his Facebook page here.
With all the talk of international teams flying to the rescue of places like Palmyra with plans to 3D print the lost works, it’s really people like this I want to see involved in the restoration. While foreigners can bemoan the loss of “our” cultural heritage, imagine what the loss and restoration means to people like this kid and others of his generation. Iraqis and Syrians first and foremost need to be at the forefronts of preserving and restoring their heritage if it is going to be truly meaningful. That doesn’t mean international experts shouldn’t be involved, their expertise, experience, and financial support is invaluable, but it shouldn’t be “their” project.
Also, where do I order some of this kid’s statues? Seriously, I’ll flank every freakin’ doorway in my house.
