National Treasures in the Ancestral Land

Considered the very heart and soul of a thousand years of cultural and historical heritage, when mentioning treasures associated with the Hung King era in Phu Tho, one cannot fail to mention the special Nha Chuong collection. Historically, the Nha Chuong was a symbol of the leader's power, made of jade stone using techniques such as chipping, carving, drilling, and sawing to create small, symmetrical grooves and intricately crafted central holes; alongside this were techniques of smoothing, polishing, and beveling into V-shapes and fish-tail shapes, achieving a high level of aesthetic appeal. The selection of jade stone and the use of compatible stone-making techniques have created the unique character of the Nha Chuong. To date, the only Nha Chuong collection has been discovered in Phu Tho - the first capital of the Van Lang State.

The Hung Temple bronze drum was discovered in 1990 on Phan Ngui Hill, Hy Cuong Commune, Viet Tri City. With its masterful bronze casting and decorative techniques, the drum's intricate and diverse patterns reflect the thinking and life of the people during the Hung King era. The drum has a diameter of 93cm at the top, 94cm at the bottom, a height of 66cm, and weighs 90kg. Made of brass, it belongs to the Heger I type, group C. This is the largest known Dong Son drum in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. The drumhead is thickly cast, with a central sun disc. Around the sun disc are three connecting lines forming three concentric circles, creating two separate spaces with nine rings of decorative patterns. The drum body is divided into three parts: The drumhead, adjacent to the drumhead, is bulging with a diameter of 1 meter and a height of 18.5 cm, decorated with stylized patterns within a band of five smaller rings arranged in order from top to bottom. The back of the drum is 27 cm high and 80 cm in diameter, featuring eight rectangular frames of stylized figures interspersed with vertical rings. The base is wider than the constricted section, with a diameter of 98 cm, and the section where it meets the constricted section is 2 cm wide and undecorated, followed by concentric circular rings.

Unearthed in 1976 at the Ca Village archaeological site, Tho Son Ward, Viet Tri City, Phu Tho Province, the bronze belt buckle is the first and only unique artifact found in Phu Tho to date. The belt buckle, measuring 21cm long, 5.5cm wide, and weighing 380g, is made of brass and consists of eight interlocking turtles. According to historians and scientists, the wearers of this bronze belt buckle were leaders. Besides its historical value, the bronze belt buckle also demonstrates the sophisticated brass metallurgy and high aesthetic sense of our ancestors during the Hung King era. Particularly noteworthy is the exquisite and highly symbolic decorative art, with the outer surface of each part of the belt featuring four turtles interspersed with S-shaped spiral patterns. The turtles carved on the belt itself are also uniquely stylized.

Bearing the imprint of cultural and artistic values ​​unique to each historical period, the National Treasure not only affirms cultural richness but also embodies intellectual excellence. Recognized as a National Treasure in 2020, the statue of Mother Au Co is currently worshipped in the inner sanctuary of the main hall of the Mother Au Co Temple in Hien Luong commune, Ha Hoa district. The statue is an original, unique artifact, with complete and sharp floral patterns containing many elements of the court art of the Nguyen dynasty. The statue is carved from jackfruit wood, painted red and gilded, with an overall height of 149cm, a maximum thickness of 39cm, and a maximum width of 44cm. The statue sits on a unicorn pedestal, with both hands placed on the knees, fingers in a mudra gesture, placed within the throne. The statue of Mother Au Co has a gentle yet majestic and dignified demeanor, befitting the qualities of a National Mother. The face is saintly with a high forehead, a small nose, drooping ears, a long neck with three creases, and a crown on the head. The statue has a slender figure clad in two layers of intricately carved robes. The robes drape down to the tips of the shoes, and it rests on a pedestal where a unicorn is kneeling.

The four National Museums associated with the Hung Kings era not only possess aesthetic and artistic value but also serve as witnesses to stories of history, culture, and many aspects of society from past eras. Thanks to effective management and preservation efforts, these National Museums have been promoting their historical value, fostering pride in tradition, raising awareness of conservation, and continuing the nation's values, while ensuring the people's right to cultural enjoyment. Relevant authorities have also organized numerous exhibitions showcasing the province's typical cultural heritage, including these National Museums; intensified propaganda efforts, and regularly promoted images of artifacts and the National Museums through various media channels. In particular, information and the value of these artifacts and National Museums have been incorporated into heritage education programs, helping students understand their historical origins and value, fostering a sense of responsibility in preserving and promoting their value.