Revealing a chain of gold-plated glass grains and unique burial customs
The archaeological excavation by the old Quang Nam Museum, now the Quang Nam Monuments and Museum Management Board, recently carried out in the Tho Chua area (Hiep Duc commune) has brought results beyond expectations. On an area of only 23 m2, archaeologists discovered 2 majestic tombs, 1 mausoleum and 2 pot tomb clusters.
The most special thing is the way of arranging funeral items. Instead of placing it in the pottery as usual, most of the pottery such as pots, cups, bowls, vases, pottery caps... are meticulously arranged outside, around the pottery tombs.
Among the hundreds of artifacts found, the most prominent are 7 pieces of stained glass chain wrapped in sophisticated gold and 242 colorful multi-colored plate cloves.
According to Mr. Tran Van Duc, Deputy Director of the Quang Nam Monuments and museums Management Board, these artifacts not only show sophisticated aesthetic taste but are also a clear demonstration of the widespread trade activities of ancient Sa Huynh residents with foreign cultures, possibly India and China.
Inside the dike, archaeologists have also found 7 specimens of iron artifacts, including knives, swords, and edges, showing that the level of metal processing has reached the professional level. Notably, experts also discovered 3 blue copper bowls, thin, brittle bones and a child earrings - a very typical artifact of Sa Huynh culture, dating back more than 2,000 years.
"Hot" land for archaeology
Tho Chua area, a alluvial strip along the Tranh River (the origin of the Thu Bon River), has long been considered a "hot spot" for archaeology. In the late 1990s, there was a spontaneous digging process here to hunt for antiques. Many valuable artifacts such as bronze drums, double-edged earrings and brain-shaped jewelry were lost during this period.
Recognizing the importance of the location, in 2023, the Quang Nam Museum conducted a survey and collected many pieces of Sa Huynh pottery on the surface. This is the premise for the small-scale excavation but has brought about great results recently.
Archaeologists have determined that, based on the type of relics, Tho Chua tomb area dates back to the late period of Sa Huynh culture, from about the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD.
Mr. Tran Van Duc said: "The shape of the tray and the decoration of burial items here have different characteristics compared to other Sa Huynh relics in the old Quang Nam, (now Da Nang). The entire relic and relic reflects a community of residents with rich material and spiritual life and extensive exchange relationships".
Information about the bronze drums that were once found here further strengthens the theory about an important trading center of the Sa Huynh people.
In particular, the series of gold-plated coiled glass grains and the special burial method with most of the burial items placed outside the burying ground have opened up an in-depth look at a brilliant civilization that once existed in the Central region.
