The Mukhalinga Ba The, discovered in Vong The commune, Thoai Son district in 1986, is a significant representation of the sculpture and religious architecture of the Oc Eo culture. It is believed to date back to the 6th century BC and measures 91cm in height, 20-22cm in width, and weighs 90kg.
During a ceremony, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyen Khanh Hiep, announced that Mukhalinga Ba The is the 8th treasure in the province to be recognized as a national treasure. All the recognized treasures in the province are of the Oc Eo culture.
Currently, the province’s museum houses six national treasures, including the Brahma Giong Xoai statue dating back to the 6th-7th centuries, two sets of Linga and Yoni from the 5th-7th centuries, a Giong Xoai wooden Buddha statue from the 4th-6th centuries, Linga-Yoni Linh Son, and Mukhalinga Ba The. The Nandin Giong Cat Ring and a stone carved with a meditating Buddha image are being kept at the Oc Eo Cultural Relic Management Board.
Hiep stated that the artifacts of the Oc Eo culture have significant cultural, historical, religious, architectural, and artistic value. They contribute to understanding the process of the Vietnamese people’s expansion in the southern region.
The Oc Eo culture was first discovered in 1944 through artifacts found in the Ba The Mountain sites, now located in Oc Eo town, Thoai Son district, An Giang province.
Scientific research has revealed a brilliant culture with a system of extensive monuments and a wide array of artifacts. These artifacts demonstrate high levels of technique, aesthetics, arts, and interaction with major cultural centers of that time.
Artifacts of the Oc Eo Culture are considered valuable historical documents and evidence of a prosperous culture in Vietnam’s history.
An exhibition showcasing the province’s national treasures opened after the ceremony, marking the commencement of the An Giang Culture and Tourism Festival 2023. The festival, which will take place from August 7-10, will feature various activities such as displaying national treasures, a book fair, a storytelling competition, and art performances.
Tour of My Son Ruins: Discovering Vietnam’s Cultural Legacy
Representing various historical periods, 18 treasures displayed at the National History Museum more or less reflect the cultural history and quintessence of the Vietnamese nation. Each treasure conveys to visitors messages from the past and interesting stories.
Museum boosts preservation of national treasures
Currently, 140 of 164 recognised national treasures are being preserved and displayed in museums nationwide, while the remainder are located in monuments and religious facilities. However, the preservation and promotion of the treasures are still facing difficulties.
Ancient Oc Eo artefacts on exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City
NDO – An exhibition displaying over 300 ancient Oc Eo artefacts opened at the National Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh on November 29.
Glazed ceramic tower from Tro Pagoda recognised as national treasure
NDO – The provincial authorities of Vinh Phuc held a ceremony on May 16 to receive a certificate recognising the glazed ceramic tower from Tro Pagoda as a national treasure.
Workshop proposes Oc Eo culture seeking UNESCO heritage title
NDO/VNA – Vestiges of Oc Eo culture in Ba The mountain in An Giang and Nen Chua in Kien Giang in the country’s southern region were put forward to seek UNESCO recognition as world cultural heritages, heard a workshop in Hanoi on April 25.
