An exhibition titled We, the Rivers of Southern Vietnam presents nearly 80 artifacts, paintings, photographs and archival materials, recreating the river as the space where communities were formed, cultures interacted, beliefs evolved and the distinctive identity of southern Vietnam took shape.

The exhibition is organized around three themes - waterways and the cultural identity of southern Vietnam; the role of rivers in social life; and the future of rivers amid today's environmental changes.

Among them, the section devoted to the spiritual life of river communities stands out, illustrating the close relationship between people and nature not only through their livelihoods but also in their spiritual traditions.

The exhibition features statues of Thien Hau, Thanh Mau and guardian goddesses dating from the early 20th century. These artifacts reflect folk beliefs that emerged as river communities adapted to their natural environment while expressing hopes for peace, safety and prosperity in daily life and work.

As different communities settled together across southern Vietnam, rivers also became meeting places for diverse cultural traditions and belief systems, helping shape the region's rich spiritual landscape.

Artifacts from the Oc Eo culture - a civilization that flourished in southern Vietnam between approximately the first and seventh centuries - are also on display.

These remains demonstrate the exchange of cultures and the adoption of religious influences from outside the region through ancient river trade networks. They also reflect the openness and cultural adaptability of southern Vietnam's early inhabitants.

The exhibition also presents artifacts from the Giong Ca Vo archaeological site in the former Can Gio area, including burial jars and grave goods. The jar burials reveal ancient concepts of life and death while reflecting indigenous spiritual beliefs before outside cultural influences were introduced.

According to archaeologists, the area once served as an important meeting point for riverine and coastal communities.

Alongside archaeological objects and folk religious artifacts, the exhibition also offers a contemporary perspective on the relationship between people and rivers from multiple viewpoints, helping raise awareness of the challenges facing river systems today.

The exhibition will remain open until October 17 at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History.

Nguyen Hue