Archaeological relics - pieces between history and future

BHG - In early May 2025, the functional departments of Bac Me province and district, together with experts from the Institute of Archaeology, made a preliminary report on the archaeological relics excavated at the old temple foundation area (Ba Tu pagoda), Bo Cung village, Yen Phu town (Bac Me). These are precious "pieces of the puzzle", quietly telling the story of history through each layer of soil. At the same time, the relics help us better understand our origins, revealing a part of the culture according to each stage of the nation's development.

BHG - In early May 2025, the functional departments of Bac Me province and district, together with experts from the Institute of Archaeology, made a preliminary report on the archaeological relics excavated at the old temple foundation area (Ba Tu pagoda), Bo Cung village, Yen Phu town (Bac Me). These are precious "pieces of the puzzle", quietly telling the story of history through each layer of soil. At the same time, the relics help us better understand our origins, revealing a part of the culture according to each stage of the nation's development.

In November 2023, the functional departments of the province and Bac Me district, together with experts, conducted a survey and grasped the current status of the old temple foundation relic area in Bo Cung village, Yen Phu town (Bac Me). The relic is located on the south bank of the Gam River, about 100m from the current riverbank. The entire area is located on top of a low hill, shaped like a turtle shell. The North, East and West are airy, surrounded by the Gam River; the South is sheltered by high mountains, creating a beautiful terrain, suitable for the construction of important works. According to preliminary calculations, the architectural area is about 2,720m², the works are planned into 5 levels of foundations with different scales and heights.

Leaders of functional departments of Bac Me province and district and experts surveyed the old pagoda foundation area (Ba Tu pagoda), Bo Cung village, Yen Phu town (Bac Me).

Through the survey, the collection team discovered 173 artifacts. Of which, there were 156 artifacts from the Tran Dynasty, including bricks, tiles, architectural decorations, tower fragments, glazed ceramics, fine porcelain, and rough porcelain. There were 8 artifacts from the Early Le Dynasty, which were white-glazed ceramics with blue and white glaze. There were 3 artifacts from the Later Le Dynasty, which were white ceramics. There were 3 artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, which were bricks.

During the excavation of the site, the team discovered a total of 12,456 artifacts dating from the Ly to Nguyen dynasties. Specifically, there were 2 Ly dynasty glazed ceramic artifacts. From the Tran dynasty, there were 161 artifacts of architectural materials such as tiles, architectural decorations (dragon statues, Bodhi leaves), tower fragments and household utensils. From the Early Le dynasty, there were 7,172 artifacts, mainly glazed ceramics and curved tiles. From the Later Le dynasty, there were 33 artifacts, all of which were white glazed ceramics. From the Nguyen dynasty, there were 6 artifacts of blue-painted white glazed ceramics. In addition, there were 17 metal artifacts such as nails, bells, coins and rectangular pieces of pottery.

According to experts from the Institute of Archaeology, among the relics of the Tran Dynasty, the most notable are some pieces of dragon statues, Bodhi leaves, and pieces of towers decorated with coiled dragons combined with flowers and leaves. The dragon is a symbol of the king, representing power; Bodhi leaves and towers are symbols associated with Buddhist ideology. The appearance of these artifacts partly shows the combination of politics and religion, and suggests that this Tran Dynasty pagoda may have been related to the royal court or members of the royal family.

Delegates visited artifacts excavated at Ba Tu Pagoda.

The discovery of a large amount of architectural materials, decorations and tower fragments shows that the structure was built during the Tran Dynasty and continued to be used and restored through the Early Le, Later Le and Nguyen dynasties. Within a very small excavation area — 80m² out of a total area of ​​about 2,720m² — tens of thousands of artifacts spanning from the Ly to Nguyen dynasties were discovered. Many other relics are still preserved in the excavation pits.

These documents are of great significance in understanding the history and culture of Bac Me in particular and Ha Giang province in general. The collected relics will supplement valuable sources of documents serving the work of displaying, introducing and promoting the value of heritage to a large number of people, domestic and foreign tourists at the Ha Giang Provincial Museum.

Comrade Ma Van Toe, Vice Chairman of Bac Me District People's Committee, said: Currently, experts have not been able to confirm the exact distribution of the entire relic. Therefore, in the immediate future, the district will coordinate with relevant agencies to develop a plan to protect and preserve relics and artifacts, in order to avoid damage or destruction due to construction and farming activities of the people. At the same time, promote propaganda work, raise awareness among the people about the value of heritage, thereby increasing awareness of protection, preservation, avoiding damage to relics or loss of artifacts.

After determining the exact scope, nature and age of the relic, the district will prepare a dossier to propose the relic's classification, delimit the protection area and develop a plan to promote and exploit the historical and cultural values ​​of the relic. The goal is to ensure harmonious and sustainable development between socio -economic development and the preservation of national cultural and historical values.

Article and photos: Hoang Tuyen

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/van-hoa/202505/di-vat-khao-co-nhung-manh-ghep-giua-lich-su-va-tuong-lai-9d93bb9/