Preserving and promoting the value of national treasures in Lao Cai

For a long time, Lao Cai has been known not only for its majestic natural scenery, but also for its unique heritage treasures of ethnic communities. Up to now, the province has had 3 artifacts recognized as national treasures including: Pha Long bronze drum, Gia Phu bronze drum and Hop Minh bronze jar. This is a great source of pride, and at the same time, it sets out the responsibility for preserving and promoting values.

Pha Long bronze drum was discovered in 1958 in Pha Long commune, dating from the Dong Son culture, about 2,500 - 2,000 years BC.

The drum face has a diameter of 74 cm, with a 16-pointed star carved in the center, alternating between the points are V-shaped letters, surrounded by 16 decorative rings.

The drum body, about 16 cm high, is richly decorated with geometric patterns, weapon handles with feathers, and human hat tops decorated with feathers, reflecting the spiritual life of Dong Son residents.

Although only the face and a piece of the funeral remain intact, it still evokes the glorious era of bronze drums. With its special archaeological and cultural values, in 2018, the Pha Long Bronze Drum was recognized as a National Treasure (7th batch) and is currently kept at Lao Cai Provincial Museum, Facility 2.

The second treasure is the Gia Phu Bronze Drum, discovered in 2019 in Gia Phu commune, voluntarily donated by Ms. Hoang Thi Vang's family.

The drum dates back to the 3rd - 2nd century BC, is 38 cm high, has a face diameter of 63 cm, and has rich patterns with 12-pointed suns, Lac birds, stylized people...

In 2021, Gia Phu bronze drum was recognized as a National Treasure (10th batch) and is also being kept at Lao Cai Provincial Museum, Facility 2.

In addition to the two drums, Lao Cai is also the place where another valuable treasure was discovered, the Hop Minh bronze jar, dating back 2,000 - 2,500 years, currently preserved at Lao Cai Provincial Museum, facility 1.

This is one of the most beautiful bronze jars ever discovered of the Dong Son culture. The lid of the jar is engraved with a 19-ray sun, the body of the jar is engraved with 4 vivid images: rice festival scenes, triumphant warships, flocks of birds, herds of deer...

In particular, the jar once contained human remains and many burial objects, clearly demonstrating its function as a "burial jar".

With its special historical and artistic value, Hop Minh bronze jar not only affirms the crafting talent of Dong Son residents but also conveys a message about the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, reflecting the social thinking and beliefs of Dong Son wet rice farming residents.

In order to not let heritage "sleep in a glass cabinet", the Lao Cai culture, sports and tourism sector has implemented many solutions.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thang - Director of Lao Cai Provincial Museum, shared: National treasures are not only archaeological artifacts, but also the pride of the ethnic people of Lao Cai.

We are determined to both preserve the integrity and find ways to bring the heritage into life. Each artifact displayed and introduced will be a "cultural ambassador", contributing to promoting the image of Lao Cai and fostering historical pride for today's generation.

To do that, the treasures are not only preserved and displayed scientifically, but also digitized, and exhibitions and seminars are organized. The provincial museum also organizes practical activities for students such as stamping patterns and redrawing details on the surface of bronze drums, helping them directly feel and learn about history.

Nguyen Bao Ngoc, a student at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, shared: This is the first time I have seen the ancient patterns of the Pha Long Bronze Drum. The details are very sophisticated, helping me imagine a very brilliant Dong Son era. Before, I only read information in books, but now I have experienced it in real life and I see that history is very close and I am very proud that my hometown has such precious treasures.

In addition, the reproduction of treasures is also focused on. The province has made copies of the Pha Long bronze drum and Gia Phu bronze drum to serve the display at the museum as well as some localities in the province. Providing drum face molds for use in publications, exhibition activities, cultural promotion... This is a creative way to make cultural heritage not only stay in the museum but also enter the lives of people and tourists.

According to the plan, by 2026, Lao Cai Provincial Museum will build an interactive display system for 3 national treasures, allowing visitors to experience and learn more about the patterns and meanings of each treasure through the application of digital technology. Along with that, it will strengthen the promotion and introduction of the value of national treasures and improve the quality of explanations associated with local tourism development.

3 National Treasures: Pha Long Bronze Drum, Gia Phu Bronze Drum, Hop Minh Bronze Jar are living proof of the brilliant Dong Son culture and a bridge between the past and the present.

Preserving and promoting these national treasures is the way for Lao Cai to continue tradition, spread national pride and let heritage live forever with the flow of time.

Presented by: Hoang Thu

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/gin-giu-va-phat-huy-gia-tri-bao-vat-quoc-gia-o-lao-cai-post882826.html