Suoi Bang, situated along the Da River, maintains its pristine natural beauty. Locals have long spoken of ancient tombs precariously perched on the cliffs. Now, after a thousand years, few know the secrets of this high cemetery.

Tang Me Cave features a large stone roof, facing east toward Loi Stream. The path from the stream to the cave entrance is steep and dangerous, rising about 200 meters. Carbon-C14 analysis indicates the tombs date back 1,240 years.

To uncover the mysteries of this cliffside cemetery, a VietNamNet reporter accompanied Mr. Mui Van Chien, a 60-year-old shaman from Na Noi village. Before setting out, Mr. Chien performed a small ceremony, seeking a smooth journey.

The trek to Tang Me cave was arduous, involving slippery hills and steep cliffs along the Da River. During the climb, Mr. Chien recounted tales steeped in mystery and spirituality.

Mr. Chien explained that the cemetery contains about 32 coffins of the Xa ethnic group. Even the village elders are unsure of the coffins' origins. He recounted a legend of ancient conflict between the Xa and Thai people, resolved by a contest of archery.

According to him, the Thai, using square-shaped arrowheads covered in beeswax, won by successfully embedding their arrows in rock, thus claiming the land. The defeated Xa people vowed not to bury their dead underground, resulting in the practice of placing coffins in mountain caves.

Upon arriving at the cave, Mr. Chien conducted another ceremony, burning incense to honor the deceased. Only after this ritual did he permit photographs and filming.

The coffins, intricately crafted to resemble human figures, are about 2 meters long and made from hollowed-out tree trunks. The ends are shaped like "swallow-tailed boat heads." Despite the passage of time, some coffins remain intact, still containing ancient remains.

Scientific and cultural significance

In Suoi Bang commune, approximately 50 coffins remain, many showing signs of deterioration. Scientists, ethnologists, and archaeologists have investigated these hanging coffins, yet their origin and burial methods remain speculative.

Burial in tree trunks, according to scientists, reflects ancient customs driven by natural conditions and a desire for safe passage in death. The Tang Me tomb cave holds significant historical, cultural, and religious value, meriting further study.

Mr. Lo Cam Hoang, Chairman of Suoi Bang Commune’s People's Committee, emphasized the cave's importance for understanding ancient history, culture, and society. Preservation efforts ensure no artifacts are moved or altered without proper authorization.

Tang Me Cave, an archaeological site of "hanging burial" type dating back over 1,000 years, was nationally recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on March 5, 2014.

The mysteries of Tang Me Cave continue to intrigue and fascinate, offering a glimpse into the ancient customs and beliefs of the region's early inhabitants.

Nhi Tien