What do you see in the work of protecting national treasures in My Son?

My Son A10 altar

Identifying risks leading to infringement and damage to national treasures such as direct physical impact on national treasures, chemical impact, theft of treasures and risks of natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms, My Son Management Board has been implementing security and safety measures for the two national treasures.

Ekamukhalinga was discovered in 2012 in the area near the E4 My Son temple, made of sandstone, gray, 126.5cm high and almost intact. Ekamukhalinga is represented as a Linga consisting of three sections of equal height and width, the lower section has a square base; the middle section has an octagonal base and the upper section is cylindrical, slightly curved at the top. The special thing that makes this artifact called Ekamukhalinga and not Linga is because on the round column, at the position above the thin skin of the phallic head, the neck and head of the god Siva protrude. This artifact is considered a masterpiece of Champa sculpture, based on its artistic style, as well as its very special historical and cultural value.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, Head of the Conservation and Museum Department (My Son Management Board) said that this treasure is displayed at the permanent exhibition room of the My Son Museum, which is constantly monitored by security guards, specialized departments, camera systems, and sensors. The artifact is displayed on a platform and covered with tempered glass, with an information board and a QR code board of information content, which has been profiled and digitized in 3D. It is displayed next to artifacts and models of the Hindu temple space in My Son. The cleaning of national treasures is carried out by specialized staff. Temperature, lighting, fire prevention and fighting work are ensured, and factors to avoid physical and chemical impacts on the artifact are ensured. The My Son Management Board also strengthens remote security for visitors with suspicious behavior and signs from the time they enter the ticket gate, 2 km from the relic.

In addition, the staff regularly monitors visitors, observing visitors throughout the visit to prevent from a distance any actions that may impact national treasures as well as relics and artifacts. For risks caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, when predicted, the Ekamukhalinga statue will be urgently lowered, safely wrapped and stored, and moved out of the museum to avoid the impact of the collapse of the structure on the national treasure.

Ekamukhalinga National Treasure

My Son A10 altar was arranged and completely restored from 17 blocks of sandstone in 2020. The artifacts remain in place in the A10 temple and are open to visitors. There is an information board, QR code about the artifacts, and a fence to prevent visitors from approaching. In addition, security forces are strengthened to protect and monitor regularly, with a camera system and alarm sensors when visitors approach the artifacts. Prevent large trees from falling and affecting the treasures.

For risks and dangers caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes, when forecasted, the Linga and Yoni statues will be urgently lowered and safely covered and preserved on site. The My Son Management Board also strengthens day and night security work directly at national treasures to promptly prevent and report to the authorities to handle acts of direct encroachment on national treasures. In addition, information is regularly disseminated widely on many domestic and foreign media about the value of treasures, and policies on protecting national treasures for the community. The My Son Management Board also proposed that in the coming time, it is necessary to strengthen measures such as building suitable roofs to avoid direct impact of rain and sun on national treasures. Continue to promote the value of national treasures to the public, and strengthen policies on protecting national treasures.

Recently, Quang Nam province has issued an official dispatch requesting departments, branches, sectors and localities to implement Official Dispatch No. 2373 dated May 29, 2025 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on reviewing, evaluating and strengthening the protection, preservation and promotion of the value of national treasures. In that spirit, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam province presides over and coordinates with relevant agencies, units, People's Committees of districts, towns and cities to review and evaluate the current status of display, preservation, protection and measures to ensure security and safety for national treasures under its direct management,... Continue to strengthen the protection, preservation and promotion of the value of national treasures; ensure the safety of valuable relics and antiquities at historical and cultural relics and scenic spots according to the orientation and direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/thay-gi-trong-cong-toc-bao-ve-bao-vat-quoc-gia-o-my-son-142422.html