Regarding the artifact "woodblock - seal of trấn trạch" in Tien Huong palace (Vu Ban commune, Ninh Binh province) which has been spread on social network Facebook recently, the People's Committee of Vu Ban commune has inspected, verified and concluded that the artifact does not have records or origin.
On March 11, in an exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, Ms. Vu Thanh Lich - Deputy Director of Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Sports said that regarding information about the origin of the "woodblock - trấn trạch seal" artifact being kept at Tien Huong shrine, after information was shared on social network Facebook, the Department has assigned Vu Ban Commune People's Committee to verify and report to have a handling plan.
Accordingly, the People's Committee of Vu Ban commune directly worked with Ms. Tran Thi Hue, head of Tien Huong temple. At the working session, Ms. Tran Thi Hue said that she is keeping two "woodblocks - trấn trạch seals" in Tien Huong temple.
Among them, one village was brought into Tien Huong Palace from 2024 by Mr. Tran Quoc Khai, a Thanh Dong, born in 1996 (residing in Pho Hien ward, Hung Yen province) to offer.
Mr. Khai voluntarily offered to Tien Huong Palace with the wish to bring the artifacts back to the right place of worship because there are contents related to Phu Day Holy Mother. After offering to Tien Huong Palace, Mr. Khai ordered a copy to keep as personal documents. The copy was brought to Tien Huong Palace from 2020 and donated by tourists.
Vu Ban Commune People's Committee has inspected and determined that both wooden artifacts called "mộc bản - dấu trấn trạch" being kept at Tien Huong palace have not been recognized or licensed by competent state agencies, inventorying artifacts in the relic.
The first version has dimensions of 43cm x 18.7cm x 1.2cm; the second version has dimensions of 43cm x 18.7cm (coverage 21cm) x 2cm.
The two artifacts called "woodblocks - trấn trạch seals" have no records, origin, and are kept among the people before being brought to Tien Huong Palace; there is no record of handover or receipt of the two artifacts between Tien Huong Palace and the donor.
Ms. Tran Thi Hue has also not had a written report, request, or request for instructions from competent state agencies on bringing the artifact called "mộc bản - dấu trấn trạch" into Tien Huong palace.
The report of Vu Ban Commune People's Committee clearly stated: "The act of Ms. Tran Thi Hue arbitrarily bringing two artifacts called "woodblocks - trấn trạch seals" into Tien Huong Palace Relic is not in accordance with the provisions of law on relic management, and does not ensure compliance with the provisions of the Law on Cultural Heritage No. 45/2024/QH15".
At the same time, Ms. Tran Thi Hue's posting of information on social networking sites about images of artifacts called "woodblocks - trấn trạch seals" and information content, the age of artifacts at relics without being appraised by specialized agencies, without permission from competent state agencies, has caused mixed public opinion, affecting the management of relics and festival organization in the commune.
Vu Ban Commune People's Committee has requested Ms. Tran Thi Hue, head of Tien Huong Palace, not to bring the two artifacts to display and preserve in the Tien Huong Palace Relic, not to organize printing and distribution of prints and copies in any form without permission from competent state agencies as prescribed.
Currently, the Department is assigning specialized departments to coordinate with Vu Ban Commune People's Committee to advise on handling plans according to the provisions of law" - Ms. Vu Thanh Lich - Deputy Director of Ninh Binh Department of Culture and Sports said.
