The Kala Nui Ba sculpture is one of 33 artifacts and groups of artifacts recognized as national treasures according to Decision No. 1712/QD-TTg, dated December 31, 2024.
Kala sculpture was discovered in the excavation hole of Nui Ba relic (My Thanh Dong village, Hoa Phong commune, Tay Hoa district); it was brought to the Provincial Museum in 1993. This is a Champa stone sculpture, made of Riolit Dap stone. Dimensions: 60 cm high, 44cm wide, 17cm thick. Weight 105.5kg.
The Kala sculpture is carved on a rock block in the shape of a pair of leaves, with a flat bottom and a pointed top. The front of the relief depicts a facade of Kala looking straight, with a wide mouth, with 8 floating toothpicking, including 2 big teeth and 6 teeth. The two incense teeth are longer and sharp. The upper border is curved and the beard around the mouth is thick, arranged in straight lines. Each side of the mouth has 3 short horns growing from the bottom up. Kala's nose is big and round, the bridge of the nose is short and broken. Kala's eyes are large, pointing forward, with the end of the eye looking upward, the eyelashes are shiny and the snails rotate. Kala Do's forehead and the forehead have a series of round grains. The thick fog is made up of 4 layers.
Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Chi Hoang - former Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council - commented that the Kala Nui Ba relief is a sculpture that clearly shows the artistic features and beliefs of Champa, dating back to the 14th century. The image of Kala has a profound meaning in Hindu philosophy, symbolizing divine power and protection.
Phu Yen, with its rich system of Champa temples and artifacts, plays an important role in the flow of Champa cultural heritage in Vietnam. Preserving and promoting the value of these heritages not only helps preserve historical memories but also creates a foundation for research and development of cultural tourism.
At the announcement ceremony, the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (VHTTDL) of Phu Yen province announced the Prime Minister's Decision to recognize the national treasure of the Kala Nui Ba relief. Authorized by the Prime Minister, Vice Chairman of Phu Yen Provincial People's Committee Dao My presented the Decision to the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Provincial Museum.
At the ceremony, Mr. Dao My said that the Kala Nui Ba relief is an original, unique artifact, discovered in the excavation hole of Nui Ba relic in 1993, along with the discovery of the foundation of the Champa temple architectural work here.
The Kala Nui Ba sculpture phoenix is the first national treasure of Phu Yen province to be recognized by the Prime Minister. This is especially important for the work of preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritages in the province in general and Champa cultural heritage in particular.
"We are committed to continuing to preserve and promote the value of treasures, associated with tourism development and community education," Mr. Dao My emphasized.
