Archaeological artefacts – puzzle pieces between past and future

BHG - In early May 2025, the relevant departments of Ha Giang Province, Bac Me District, together with experts from the Institute of Archaeology, issued a preliminary report on the archaeological artefacts excavated at the old foundation of Ba Tu Temple in Bo Cung Village, Yen Phu Town.

These precious artefacts serve as “pieces of the puzzle” helping to reconstruct history, and reveal the origins and developmental stages of national culture.

Previously in November 2023, the parties had surveyed the current state of the relic site located on a low hill shaped like a turtle shell, adjacent to the southern bank of the Gam River.

The site boasts an attractive location, suitable for important structures, covering an area of approximately 2,720 square metres, comprising 5 terraced levels of varying scales and elevations.

Experts present the archaeological artefacts excavated at the old foundation of Ba Tu Temple.

The initial survey discovered 173 artefacts, mainly from the Tran Dynasty period (156 artefacts), the early period of the Later Le Dynasty, Later Le Revival (Le Trung Hung) period, and the Nguyen Dynasty period.

During the excavation process, the team discovered a total of 12,456 artefacts, spanning from the Ly Dynasty to the Nguyen Dynasty. Those from the Tran Dynasty period included numerous architectural materials such as tiles, dragon statues, decorative leaves and stupas.

The early period of the Later Le Dynasty has the largest quantity with over 7,100 artefacts, primarily glazed ceramics and curved tiles.

There are also a number of characteristic artefacts from subsequent periods, including Le Trung Hung and Nguyen Dynasty.

Additionally, there were 17 metal artefacts such as nails, bells and coins.

The Tran Dynasty period artefacts, including dragon statues, decorative leaves, and stupa fragments decorated with dragons amidst curling floral motifs, demonstrate the fusion of politics and Buddhism, suggesting the temple may have been connected to the imperial court or imperial family.

With an excavated area of just 80 square metres (out of the total 2,720 square metres), tens of thousands of artefacts spanning successive historical dynasties have been discovered, proving that the relic site holds great value and was used and renovated across multiple periods.

Many artefacts are being preserved at the excavation site, serving research purposes and for display at the provincial museum.

According to Bac Me District Vice Chairman Ma Van Toe, the district is working to develop protection measures to prevent damage to the relics from farming and construction activities.

Simultaneously, awareness-raising campaigns will be conducted, protective zones will be established, and applications will be made for heritage classification, ensuring harmony between heritage conservation and local socio-economic development.

HOANG TUYEN