These are artifacts of special historical, cultural and artistic value, reflecting important stages of development in the spiritual life of Southern Vietnamese residents over many centuries.
According to Decision No. 236/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister issued on December 31, 2025, the Oc Eo Cultural Boat currently kept at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is recognized as a National Treasure. The artifact is ranked 14th among the National Treasures being preserved in the museum system belonging to the Water Building Era in Ho Chi Minh City.
The bowl dates back about 4,000 - 3,800 years ago, belonging to the pre-historic period of ancient residents in the Southern region. The artifact is made of terracotta, including a high base, a wide bowl body and a flared mouth. Scientists say that the structure of the bowl is divided into many distinct parts, showing the technical level and aesthetic development of ancient residents. The surface of the artifact has a characteristic pinkish-gray coating of terracotta, showing that the crafting technique has reached a certain level of sophistication.
Through Microstructure microimage analysis, scientists determined that the bowl was baked at a temperature of about 700 - 800°C. The base is high, flared, combined with a wide bowl body to create balance and firmness. The decorative patterns on the bowl body are made by carving lines combined with embossed printing, creating triangle, thoi and parallel thread patterns. The decorative details are harmoniously arranged, showing the highly developed artistic thinking of the cultured residents of Oc Eo.
Besides the Oc Eo Cultural Bat Bong, the set of multi-colored ceramic statues of Tam Quan Dai De is also recognized as a national treasure. The set of statues dates back to the late 19th - early 20th centuries, and is a typical artifact of the multi-colored ceramic art of the Southern region. The set of statues is elaborately crafted with costume details, crowns and character spirits vividly expressed, clearly reflecting the influence of folk beliefs and Chinese culture in the spiritual life of the residential community in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to researchers, the value of the set of statues lies not only in the shaping technique and unique glaze, but also in the profound cultural and religious meaning. The image of Tam Quan Dai De is associated with the concept of protecting, sheltering and bringing peace to the community. Such artifacts contribute to reflecting the rich spiritual life of Southern residents in the process of cultural exchange and assimilation.
The recognition of the two artifacts as National Treasures shows the outstanding value of the heritages being preserved at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. This is not only a recognition of the historical and cultural value of the artifacts, but also contributes to raising community awareness in heritage conservation work.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, these two national treasures are being displayed for the public from March 6 to March 8, 2026 at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum (No. 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ho Chi Minh City). The exhibition aims to widely introduce to the public the typical values of cultural heritage, while contributing to spreading awareness of preserving and promoting the historical and cultural values of the country.
