VietNamNet Bridge – More than 16,300 artifacts believed to date to 14th century have been unearthed in the central province of Binh Dinh at the former site of Vijaya, the political and cultural hub of the Champa kingdom.

Pottery: More than 16,300 artifacts believed to date to the 14th and 15th centuries have been unearthed in the central province of Binh Dinh at the former site of Vijaya, the political and cultural hub of the Champa kingdom.--Photo by Xuan Thanh

The ceramic and porcelain items were discovered recently at a 200 sq.m site in the Dai Binh Village’s Cay Me in Nhon My Commune of An Nhon Town. Excavation work began in October.

The artefacts, including bowls, plates and jars, of the Champa culture were from the late 14th and early 15th centuries when Vijaya was still a county of the Champa kingdom, experts said.

The most impressive artifacts were found in eight kilns, which may have dated to the 15th century, researchers said. About 25 porcelain objects produced by the Chinese were also found.

Archaeologists come from the Binh Dinh Museum and Center for Imperial City Research (CICR) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism are continuing their excavation, research and preservation of the artefacts.

They expect to find even more items that could shed light on Binh Dinh’s history and culture.   

“The discovery of pottery kilns 800 years old in Cey Me contributes evidence to confirm the long tradition of pottery making of the Champa,” said Dr. Lai Van Toi, deputy director of the CICR.

Tới said that local authorities should protect the site for further research.

The Cham’s ancient ceramic ovens were discovered throughout Binh Dinh in 1990. Since then, local scientists have worked with Japanese and Belgian experts on excavation sites in Tay Sơn and An Nhon districts.

Source: VNS