(Baonghean.vn) - 3 National treasures in Nghe An are the Nhan Tower relic box, the snake-shaped dagger holding an elephant's leg, and the elephant-shaped ladle, which have great historical and cultural value. These are all unique original artifacts, currently kept at Nghe An Museum.
» Nghe An: 3 artifacts recognized as national treasures
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| The Nhan Tower relic box was obtained during the excavation of the Nhan Tower site in Hong Long commune, Nam Dan district, conducted by the Institute of Archaeology in conjunction with the Nghe Tinh Museum in 1985-1986. The excavation report clearly stated: "Perhaps this is the first time such a box has been found in Vietnam. The pure gold box was made by a goldsmith using the cold-stamping method. This type of box is very similar to the lacquer relic box found in Burma, dating back to around the 8th-9th century AD." Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| The relic box is divided into two parts: the lid and the body. The lid is rectangular, with the four edges slightly concave, looking like the edge of a roof. On the top of the lid is a decorative band with a circular chrysanthemum pattern with 6 small petals. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| The rectangular body of the box is embossed with high technology at the edges. The body of the box is decorated with a strip of stylized lotus pattern. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| Relics are a Buddhist concept that refers to the part of the Buddha's remains remaining after cremation to be passed down to future generations. The discovery of the relic box - a national treasure with special historical, cultural and artistic value, helps scientists have more data to research the complete burial method of Buddhism in Vietnam. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| The second National Treasure currently kept at Nghe An Museum is a Dagger with a handle of a snake holding an elephant's leg. The treasure is 12.3cm long and 3.5cm wide, and was found at the Lang Vac archaeological site (Thai Hoa town) during the first excavation in 1973. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| This is a unique original artifact, the only dagger with a handle shaped like a snake holding an elephant's leg, excavated from the ground during the Dong Son culture period. According to research experts, this is not only a weapon of the ancient Vietnamese but also a unique work of art, affirming that Vietnam is one of the cradles of the world-famous Dong Son culture. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| Close-up of the knife handle. The knife handle has the shape of two round snakes intertwined, one with a crest and one without a crest. The two snakes are opening their mouths to support the hind legs and front legs of an elephant. This treasure contributes to reflecting the totem and fertility beliefs of the ancient Vietnamese - agricultural residents who considered snakes to be spiritual animals. At the same time, the image of a male and female snake represents the harmony of yin and yang, wishing for all species to thrive and for a bountiful harvest. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| Elephant statue ladle - the third national treasure in Nghe An. The ladle is 18.5 cm long and weighs 200 grams. It was found at the Vac village archaeological site during the second excavation in 1981. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| This treasure represents the art of creating decorative statues on objects. Up to now, in our country, no place has discovered a ladle with an elephant statue as beautiful and unique as the ladle from Vac village. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| The back of the bronze ladle has an elephant statue attached. The ladle has soft, sophisticated curves, showing that the bronze casting and statue-making skills of Vac village residents have reached their peak. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
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| Inside the bronze ladle there are traces of holes that were welded together by ancient people. This treasure dates back to the Dong Son culture, 2,000 - 2,500 years ago. Photo: Phuoc Anh |
Phuoc Anh
