Rare Samanid-Era Plaster Panel Fragments Discovered in Uzbekistan

A joint international archaeological mission has uncovered rare fragments of a decorated plaster panel in Uzbekistan dating to the Samanid era.

The pieces belong to a panel made from “ganch,” a traditional gypsum-based plaster. They feature ornamental designs and inscriptions in Kufic script.

The combination of decorative plasterwork and calligraphy is central to the find, preserving elements of the panel’s original artistic treatment.

The discovery offers material for studying craftsmanship and the use of Kufic inscriptions during the Samanid period. The brief account did not provide the text of the inscriptions or identify the excavation site.