The architectural work in Muong Luan commune, Dien Bien Dong district, Dien Bien province, formed in the mid-16th century, is called Muong Luan ancient tower.
After nearly 500 years, Muong Luan ancient tower has become a cultural heritage that is being preserved and promoted. Photo: Quang Dat
Muong Luan ancient tower is an architectural work bearing the cultural and religious features of the Lao people in Dien Bien province. This is not only a historical relic but also associated with stories of solidarity. This is also a symbol of the peoples of the two brotherly countries of Vietnam and Laos.
According to Mr. Lo Van Hanh - Secretary of the Party cell of Muong Luan 1 village, Muong Luan commune, since the 16th century, our ancestors chose Muong Luan as the place to build this sacred tower because the land is extremely unique.
The base of the ancient Muong Luan tower is solidly built, has a sturdy square shape and is located in Muong Luan commune, Dien Bien Dong district, Dien Bien province. Photo: Quang Dat
“The land resembles a person facing Vietnam, leaning against Laos. The image of the tower has been compared to a graceful, gentle girl standing quietly at the foot of Hua Ta Mountain (headwater mountain) reflecting on the clear Ma River,” said Mr. Hanh.
According to Mr. Hanh, the folk song “Hua tang keo, co tang Lao” (roughly translated: Head turned to Vietnam, back leaning on Laos) has become a familiar saying, clearly expressing the deep affection that people have for the tower and for the relationship between Vietnam and Laos. Therefore, the tower was built with the wish to pray for peace and prosperity for both nations.
The most prominent part of the tower body is the stylized dragon embossed to form a double figure 8 running around the tower. Photo: Quang Dat
Muong Luan Tower is built in the shape of a square tower. The bottom is large, gradually narrowing towards the top. The tower has a total height of 15m, divided into three main parts: the base, the body and the top. The tower is built with bricks, lime, mortar, sand and molasses. All materials used to build the tower are quarried locally.
The entire architecture of the tower as well as the most prominent decorative motifs of the tower are shown on the body of the tower. The most prominent is the stylized dragon image embossed to form a double figure 8 running around the tower, all 4 sides of the tower show 5 pairs of dragons.
All the decorative motifs and patterns on Muong Luan tower are made of red terracotta. Photo: Quang Dat
All the motifs and decorative patterns on Muong Luan tower are made of red terracotta covered with moss of time, giving the tower an ancient beauty that stands out against the green background of the Northwestern mountains and forests.
According to the elderly in Muong Luan 1 village, in 1939, a very strong earthquake occurred in the Muong Luan area, causing the tower to tilt. By 2009, the People's Committee of Dien Bien province had invested more than 5 billion VND to restore, embellish and "anti-tilt" this structure.
Talking about the ancient tower of Muong Luan, Mr. Lo Van Khanh - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Luan commune said: "Through the shape of the tower and the decorative patterns, it is unlike any other tower structure currently in Vietnam. This is a relatively special architecture, so many scientists and archaeologists have chosen it to study in the system of ancient towers in Vietnam".
The Muong Luan tower relic is considered a sacred place by the local people, a place to entrust their spiritual needs. Photo: Quang Dat
According to Mr. Khanh, every year in early spring, young men and women in love and people from other places around the area gather here to celebrate the "Hot Nam" festival (water splashing festival).
In addition to its historical, cultural and architectural value, Muong Luan Tower also has great value in terms of solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos. In 1991, Muong Luan Tower was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism).
Quang Dat
Source: https://dulich.laodong.vn/kham-pha/thap-co-gan-500-tuoi-o-dien-bien-mang-bieu-tuong-doan-ket-viet-lao-1375807.html
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