These Beautiful Sculptures of Myanmar Have Been Reclaimed by Nature

In Myanmar sits the small lakeside village of Indein, known for being home to thousands of stupas, pagodas, and Buddha statues. Most of these statues date back centuries and after so much time without maintenance, they became overgrown with foliage and became a fascinating part of the scenery. The images taken by a photographer show the beauty and intricate details of the sculptures being reclaimed by nature.

Defying Time

It’s a well-known truth that there’s a mysterious charm to old, abandoned places. This is why a photographer by the name of Romain Veillon started making his “Ask the Dust” series of photographs featuring beautiful abandoned places. While looking for sites for his other projects he was inspired to visit Indein and take stunning photographs of the sculptures and pagodas of which there are thousands in this village. As most of the structures and stupas date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, many are damaged and overgrown, yet still stunning and bearing significance.

What Will Happen to the Sculptures

The first groups of these structures were found behind the village of Nyaung Ohak, and from there a staircase leads to Shwe Inn Thein Paya where 1054 more stupas can be found. The spikes that can be seen from afar are quite impressive and intriguing. In the past, this was a place of great spiritual significance, as it helped Buddhism spread in the area. Although these images showcase the beauty of the sculptures pairing beautifully with the untamed nature, many of the structures are being renovated and some new stupas can be seen.

With countless hidden wonders like this one out there in the world, forgotten by time and reclaimed by nature, it’s comforting to know that there are dedicated photographers, like Romain Veillon. Hopefully, we’ll get to see many more incredible images like these that can make us look back and marvel.