Véronique Degroot
Archaeological Research at Adan-Adan (East Java, 10th-12th c.): Preliminary Notes
In Java, the period from the 10th to the 12th century is one of intensive literary production. Yet, we know very little of the other arts: many temples have been destroyed or heavily rebuilt during the subsequent Singhasari-Majapahit period. Until very recently, only a handful of caves and two architectural structures – Candi Gurah and Candi Tondonwongso – were attributable to the 10th – 12th centuries. Excavations carried out in Adan-Adan (East Java) in 2018-2019 led to the discovery of a third “Kediri-era” temple. Statues and architectural ornaments brought to the light may help us define the art of this busy period – and possibly reappraise the chronology of some statues in museum collections.