3,500-year-old opal processing center discovered in Plei Ring

The conference brought together many leading scientists in the field of archaeology and interdisciplinary science from research institutes, universities and professional agencies across the country.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Khac Su contributed his opinion at the conference. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

Previously, Chu Se district (old) recorded 3 main archaeological sites: Taiper (Ia Ko commune), Ngol village (Ia Glai commune) and Plei Ring (H'Bong commune), along with some unverified loose stone artifacts.

During the archaeological investigation at the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second quarter of 2025, Pleiku Museum coordinated with the Center for Archaeology (Southern Institute of Social Sciences) to examine old relics and discover 48 more relics, bringing the total number of relics and sites with traces of ancient culture to 52.

Most of them belong to the Neolithic period, some are likely to belong to the Bronze Age and some are from the Late Paleolithic period. In particular, the Plei Ring site was excavated from March 15 to June 30, 2025, achieving many important results.

Scientists discuss on the sidelines of the conference the value of stone artifacts discovered at the Plei Ring archaeological site. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

Reporting at the conference, Dr. Nguyen Quoc Manh - Deputy Director of the Archaeological Center, in charge of the exploration and excavation work - said: Plei Ring relic is a very large-scale workshop, operating about 3,500-3,000 years ago. This place used skillful chiseling techniques, producing a large volume of opal stone tools, enough to meet the needs not only of the prehistoric Chu Se residents but also to supply neighboring areas.

The excavation also recorded many discarded damaged artifacts, showing that the manufacturing technique was strictly controlled and there was a clear division of labor.

Lithophone discovered at Plei Ring archaeological site. **Photo: Hoang Ngoc**

Plei Ring is considered a key production center in the prehistoric stone tool production and consumption network in the Central Highlands, reflecting the sophisticated craftsmanship, the development of primitive agricultural economy and the need for communication and exchange of products between ancient communities. Notably, a set of lithophones was also discovered in the relic strata, contributing to the study of prehistoric musical instruments.

Experts and scientists highly appreciated the archaeological discoveries at Plei Ring relic, and at the same time proposed research directions, orientations for preserving and promoting the value of Plei Ring relic in the coming time.

On this occasion, experts and scientists also discussed and contributed ideas to the Comprehensive Research Program of the Roc Tung-Go Da Archaeological Site (An Khe old stone), towards building a world cultural heritage dossier in the coming time.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/phat-hien-trung-tam-che-tac-da-opal-3500-nam-truoc-tai-plei-ring-post563798.html