VietNamNet Bridge – On Tuesday the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition sent photos to all 63 provinces and cities of sacred animal statues that have been used for centuries as “guards” at temples in Vietnam.

The mascot introduced by the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition.

The photos, which were sent to the department of culture, sports and tourism, showed ancient mascots like sau, lion and variants of nghe (with a dog’s body and a lion’s head).

The Department’s chief, Vi Kien Thanh, says that these are the ancient mascots of the Vietnamese, which have been used at Buddhist temples and communal houses for many centuries.

Thanh says the move aims to help local cultural agencies to have a foundation for guiding the operation of traders and producers of objects that conform to Vietnam’s traditions.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism earlier this week had asked local authorities to check and remove alien, foreign-style animal stone statues from temples and relic sites. The Ministry also urged individuals and organizations to not use inappropriate mascots and spiritual items.

T. Van