Sand Buried Ruin of Khotan 70 - Ruins of Buddhist shrine, D II, at Dandan-uiliq, before excavation - the scene is typical of what Stein found in the desert. The upper parts of ancient building posts remained above the sand after hundreds of years and had attracted 'treasure seekers' for many years. Note Stein's measuring rod displayed to provide a scale reference. Stein's strong education in the latest archeological procedures enabled him to perform accurate and valuable recording, in contrast to many of the amateurs who explored only to seek souvenirs.