Unveiling the "treasure" at the Quynh Van archaeological site.

VHO - Quynh Van (Quynh Luu, Nghe An ) is a land bearing the footprints of ancestors from thousands of years ago and is now becoming a focal point of archaeology. After being excavated, layers of time-worn sediment are revealed, bringing with them stories of prehistoric people and the early spiritual life.

Excavations are underway at the Quynh Van archaeological site. Photo: MANH HA

Over the past month, the Nghe An Museum, in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi ) and international experts from the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology (Australian National University), has made a valuable archaeological discovery.

According to preliminary assessments, the Nghe An Museum reported that at a depth of more than 3 meters in Hamlet 6, Quynh Van Commune, two excavation pits covering an area of ​​18 square meters have revealed nine sets of ancient human remains lying in a kneeling position, a burial style characteristic of the Quynh Van culture.

In the second excavation pit, the scene resembled an ancient "cemetery": Three skeletons stacked on top of each other, separated by a thin layer of earth, surrounded by hundreds of mollusk shells—materials that may have held deep spiritual significance for prehistoric inhabitants.

Beyond their use as burial objects, seashells and conch shells were also crafted into jewelry, reflecting aspects of the aesthetic beauty and early beliefs of ancient coastal communities.

In addition, tools such as stone axes, pestles, chipped fragments, and traces of hearths continue to add to the vibrant body of information about the daily life and work of ancient people.

The Nghe An Museum stated: "What has just been unearthed is not only material evidence but also the return of a culture that once flourished in the depths of time."

This discovery is not only of great scientific value but also carries profound humanitarian significance. Each set of remains is an untold story, a witness to "time" for the presence of humans on this land thousands of years ago.

The layers of soil, piled upon each other over time, now seem to "speak," telling the story of a once vibrant culture—the Quynh Van culture, a typical culture of prehistoric coastal inhabitants, which flourished between 5,500 and 3,500 years ago.

In the near future, all artifacts and remains will be subjected to radiocarbon dating (C14) to determine their exact age, and further research will be conducted on the anthropological characteristics, beliefs, and lifestyles of the ancient inhabitants.

For researchers, this is an invaluable source of information, opening the door to extensive exploration of the history, anthropology, and culture of ancient coastal inhabitants.

For the people of Quynh Van, these discoveries are powerful evidence of a persistent and unbroken cultural flow in their homeland.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu, a resident of Quynh Van commune, shared: “When we heard the news that archaeologists had discovered the remains of our ancestors right on the land where we live, we were both surprised and proud. Now, the whole village is waiting for every new piece of information to be announced, and everyone wants to do something to contribute to preserving this heritage.”

Driven by this profound pride, the people of Quynh Van are following the research results daily with a strong sense of responsibility and community spirit.

More than just the layers of earth that have been unearthed, what has been discovered is a sacred part of our ancestors' memory that needs to be awakened, cherished, and passed on to future generations. It should not only be preserved in books or on display, but should live vividly in the hearts and minds of all generations to come.

This excavation marks a milestone in the ongoing research journey into Quynh Van, one of Vietnam's archaeological cradles. Between 1930 and 1932, the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani first set foot in this area, excavating scallop mounds at Cau Giat.

By 1963, archaeologist Phan Ngoc Lien discovered more stone and bone artifacts, opening up large-scale excavations by the Institute of Archaeology, making Quynh Van the official name for a culture.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Cuong, Director of the Nghe An Museum, said: "Quynh Van, a name deeply ingrained in the geography of Nghe An, is once again mentioned with pride."

More than just an archaeological site, it is a "gateway to time," where the past resonates in every artifact, every clod of earth, and in the hearts of those today striving to revive millennia-old memories.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/mo-ra-kho-bau-o-di-chi-quynh-van-130865.html