A collection of gold jewelry and agate artifacts from the Lai Nghi burial site, along with two Dong Son bronze artifacts, have been officially recognized as National Treasures.

Four artifacts from Quang Nam honored

Images of animal-shaped agate beads and gold beads discovered in the Lai Nghi burial site are currently preserved at the Quang Nam Museum. Photo: BTQN.

On January 2, Nguyen Thanh Hong, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Quang Nam Province, announced that four artifacts and collections from the province have been recognized as National Treasures.

This recognition was part of the 13th National Treasure designation approved on December 31, 2024, by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long. The designation includes 33 artifacts across the country, with Quang Nam contributing significantly to this list.

The recognized items from Quang Nam include a collection of gold jewelry and agate animal-shaped artifacts from the Lai Nghi burial site, preserved at the Quang Nam Museum, and two Dong Son artifacts: a bronze drum and a bronze jar owned by Luong Hoang Long of Cam Pho Ward, Hoi An City.

All the newly recognized artifacts are original, unique pieces of great historical and cultural significance.

The treasures from the Lai Nghi burial site

The Dong Son bronze drum artifact is owned by Mr. Luong Hoang Long (Hoi An City)."

The collection of gold jewelry, part of the Sa Huynh cultural heritage, comprises 108 well-preserved items. These date back to between the 3rd century BCE and the mid-1st century CE.

The agate artifacts include two intact pieces: a bead or pendant carved from agate, depicting a small water bird and a tiger. Both artifacts feature detailed carvings and have holes drilled along their bodies for stringing.

These items were discovered during an archaeological excavation at the Lai Nghi burial site. The site retains a pristine cultural layer, and the artifacts' age has been verified through various methods. Their exceptional craftsmanship and historical value meet the criteria for National Treasure status.

The Dong Son bronze drum and jar, owned by Luong Hoang Long, represent the Dong Son culture, dating from the 4th–3rd century BCE to the 1st–2nd century CE. These items reflect the advanced metallurgical techniques and artistic achievements of ancient Vietnamese civilization.

With this latest recognition, Quang Nam Province now boasts seven National Treasures, including the gold jewelry collection from Lai Nghi. These honors highlight the province’s rich historical and cultural heritage, making it a focal point for both academic research and cultural tourism.

Tien Phong