Log in
Life

Dong Son bronze drum shows strong vitality of Vietnamese culture

Visitors will be able to admire the newly discovered collection of unique artifacts from the ancient culture of Dong Son.

The thematic exhibition entitled "Am vang Dong Son" or "Dong Son Echoes from the Past" is on display at the Vietnam National Museum of History until the end of April 2024.

 The Dong Son bronze drum, cast in 2022, is said to be 80% similar to the prototype. Photo: VOV2

The exhibition aims to celebrate Vietnam's Heritage Day (November 23) and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Dong Son culture.

Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the Vietnam National History Museum, said the Dong Son culture played an important role in the evolution of the country's history. It was named Dong Son by archaeologists based on the accidental discovery of some ancient bronzes dated about 2,000 years ago in 1924 in Dong Son Village on the banks of the Ma River, Thanh Hoa Province.

"Dong Son archaeological artifacts from the Bronze Age (from 1000 BC to the first century AD) are extremely rich, diverse, and highly aesthetic," Doan said.

These work tools, household utensils, weapons, musical instruments, and jewelry were made of copper, iron, ceramics, glass, wood, and stone, among other materials. In particular, the brass artifacts were delicately crafted and reached a skilled technical level.

The exhibition is divided into three parts: "The newly unveiled materials related to Dong Son culture"; "Dong Son drum mold discovered from Luy Lau underground"; and "Experimental Dong Son bronze drum casting."

 Visitors to the thematic display entitled Dong Son Echoes from the Past at Vietnam National Museum of History. Photos: VOV2

The exhibition displays the results of archaeology and research conducted by the Vietnam National History Museum in cooperation with the National Museum of Korea and East Asia University (Japan) at the archaeological sites of Dinh Trang (Hanoi), Bai Coi (Ha Tinh Province) and Luy Lau ancient citadel in Bac Ninh Province.

Thousands of broken pieces of bronze drum molds dating back to the 2nd century AD were recently found in Luy Lau Citadel in Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province, demonstrating the strong vitality of Dong Son culture and helping to solve mysteries related to bronze drum casting techniques of the ancient Vietnamese some 2,000 years ago.

To date, Luy Lau is the archaeological site in the world where the largest fragments of the Dong Son drum mold have been found. Previously, a single piece of the mold was found on the surface of the citadel in 1998. In 2001, the other piece was found buried deep under the wall.

It is noteworthy that this latest exhibition of the Vietnam National History Museum is the first to display the first drum cast based on scientific input, which is 80% similar to the original.

 Artifacts on display at the exhibition. 

From 1964 to 1975, the Vietnam Museum of History (now the Vietnam National Museum of History), in coordination with the Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts, cast some samples of bronze drums based on the analysis of alloy composition and technical traces on artifacts.


However, the first four casting attempts were all fruitless. The fifth casting, which took place in 2022 at Che Bronze Casting Village in Thieu Hoa District, Thanh Hoa Province, is the most successful, with about 80% similarity to the prototype.


Deputy Director of the Vietnam National History Museum Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan said the bronze drum casting experiment helps scientists better understand the sophisticated techniques of the ancient Dong Son people. The complete casting of a drum using only small pieces of mold shows the efforts of local scientists, archaeologists, and craftsmen from the centuries-old traditional village.


Even after thousands of years, the technique of casting large ancient bronze drums with elaborate patterns remains a mystery.

The Dong Son Echoes from the Past exhibition helps visitors better understand the Dong Son culture. 

The Dong Son culture, also known as the Lac Viet culture (named after the village of Dong Son), was a Bronze Age civilization of ancient Vietnam centered in the Red River Delta, in the north of the country, from 1000 BC to the 1st century AD.

The origins of the Dong Son culture are evidenced by the Dong Son drums, which show the skilled bronze casting techniques of the ancient men.

The Go Mun culture gave rise to the Dong Son culture, which was the culmination of the Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age.

Bronze drums were used in warfare when the chief summoned the tribe's warriors by drumming, in mourning, and during festivals, and the scenes cast on the drums indicate that Dong Son leaders had access to bronze casters of remarkable skill. The scenes are local, including drummers and other musicians, warriors, rice processing, birds, deer, war vessels, and geometric designs.

The Dong Son bronze drums show "remarkable skill". The one found in Co Loa, on the outskirts of Hanoi, weighs 72 kilograms and would have required the smelting of between one and seven tons of copper ore.

Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Bồi dưỡng kiến thức biển, đảo cho 1.000 sinh viên

Bồi dưỡng kiến thức biển, đảo cho 1.000 sinh viên

19 Sep, 14:07

Kinhtedothi - Ngày 19/9, tại TP Hồ Chí Minh, Ban Tuyên giáo T.Ư và Trung ương Đoàn TNCS HCM đã phối hợp tổ chức Hội nghị tập huấn, bồi dưỡng kiến thức biển, đảo cho khoảng 1.000 sinh viên, cán bộ đoàn - hội các trường thành viên ĐHQG TP HCM.

Thanh Tri steamed rice crepe: Journey to delicacy

Thanh Tri steamed rice crepe: Journey to delicacy

Hanoi’s delectable dishes are renowned in folk songs and culinary books, capturing diners' hearts at home and aboard.

Prime Minister praises music video Bac Bling at youth meeting

Prime Minister praises music video Bac Bling at youth meeting

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has complimented the music video "Bac Bling" by singer Hoa Minzy, highlighting the MV’s role in promoting and renewing Vietnamese cultural heritage.

Hanoi through seasons: Delicacies that magnetize diners

Hanoi through seasons: Delicacies that magnetize diners

As spring begins to fade, Hanoi dazzles visitors with its timeless charm and exquisite dishes that reflect the soul of the city. 

Swiss vocalists enliven Hanoi arts scene with free concert

Swiss vocalists enliven Hanoi arts scene with free concert

Sophie de Quay and Simon Jaccard will bring a musical celebration of culture, emotion, and connection to Hanoi during Balade en France et en Francophonie later this month.

UNESCO proclaims Vietnam's new intangible heritage

UNESCO proclaims Vietnam's new intangible heritage

Vietnam’s cultural tapestry became more vibrant as the Ba Chua Xu (Lady of the Realm Goddess) Festival in An Giang Province was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 

Quintessence of Bac Ninh Culture presented in Hanoi

Quintessence of Bac Ninh Culture presented in Hanoi

The event brings Hanoi people and international tourists a glimpse at Bac Ninh Province, a cradle of Dong Ho folk paintings and UNESCO-recognized quan ho (love duets).

Hanoians rush to capture last moments of iconic building

Hanoians rush to capture last moments of iconic building

The “Shark Jaw” building, a well-known landmark since its construction in 1993 located next to Hoan Kiem Lake, becomes a popular spot for photos and check-ins as people flock to capture memories before its demolition.

Explore vibrant French-speaking tapestry later this month

Explore vibrant French-speaking tapestry later this month

Hanoi’s film lovers are in for a treat as they embark on a cinematic journey through the diverse and vibrant landscapes of the French-speaking community.