At the headquarters of Chau Tien Commune in Nghe An Province - a new administrative unit formed after the merger of Chau Thuan and three neighboring communes in the former Quy Chau District - local authorities are preserving an unusual artifact made of red bronze.

The cauldron measures 2.4 meters in circumference at its rim and stands 45 centimeters high.

For local residents, it is far more than a bronze object. It is considered a sacred treasure closely linked to the history and development of the ancient land of Muong Chai, now part of the former Chau Thuan Commune.

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The treasured relic of Chau Tien residents. Photo: K.H

According to local legend, Muong Chai was once ruled by a female leader named Chai. She was credited with organizing agricultural production and resolving disputes within the community.

As she grew old and frail, bandits began causing unrest throughout the region. To protect the villages, she invited Tao Noong, a skilled martial artist from Chau Binh, to help restore order.

Initially, Tao Noong earned the respect of local people for defending their land. However, after consolidating power, he became increasingly authoritarian and imposed harsh regulations that fueled resentment among villagers, even though few dared to challenge him openly.

Seeking to preserve peace, Lady Chai later invited Cam Ba Hieu, also known as Tao Noi, to assist. A gifted strategist and highly respected figure, Tao Noi's arrival marked a turning point in Muong Chai's history.

Lady Chai organized a ceremonial offering to Heaven to welcome Tao Noi and used the occasion to arrange a brotherhood oath between Tao Noong and Tao Noi.

According to legend, during the ceremony, Tao Noi and the village men united to overthrow Tao Noong. Under Tao Noi's leadership, peace returned to the region.

The bronze cauldron is believed to have been brought to Muong Chai by Tao Noi himself. It was reportedly used to cook an entire buffalo during the historic Heaven-offering ceremony.

Later, Tao Noi entrusted the cauldron to a village shaman for safekeeping. From that point on, it was used only during annual communal rituals.

A sacred relic stolen time and again

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The bronze cauldron is currently preserved at the commune headquarters. Photo: K.H

Over the centuries, the ancient cauldron survived countless upheavals. Yet one of the most remarkable chapters in its story involves the repeated attempts to steal it.

Vi Ngoc Duyen, former Chairman of the People's Committee of Chau Thuan Commune, recalled that despite being stolen several times, the artifact was always returned.

More than 30 years ago, while temporarily stored beneath a shelter at the local kindergarten, the cauldron suddenly disappeared.

As villagers searched frantically, an unexpected development occurred several weeks later.

A man from the former Dien Chau District, more than 100 kilometers away, arrived and personally returned the cauldron, admitting that he had stolen it.

He confessed that he intended to sell the artifact to antique collectors for profit. However, after bringing it home, his family reportedly began hearing strange noises at night.

Terrified and increasingly anxious, the man eventually decided to return the relic.

Given his apparent remorse, local authorities chose not to pursue criminal charges. Instead, they transferred the cauldron to the commune headquarters for safekeeping.

In 2000, the bronze cauldron once again became the target of thieves.

An unidentified individual allegedly broke into the Chau Thuan Commune headquarters in the middle of the night, removed the cauldron and tied it to the back of a motorbike before transporting it to a scrap metal dealer.

One week later, the owner of a scrap collection business in the former Quy Chau District unexpectedly delivered the cauldron back to local authorities.

The business owner explained that the artifact had been purchased from an unknown man and that they had no idea it was a culturally significant relic belonging to the commune.

After storing it for several days, acquaintances informed them that the cauldron was under official management and carried deep local significance.

Concerned about potential legal consequences, the dealer voluntarily returned the artifact.

Speaking about future preservation efforts, Vi Van Lam, Deputy Chief of Office of the Chau Tien Commune People's Committee, said local authorities are preparing documentation to seek official heritage recognition for the bronze cauldron.

The move is expected not only to strengthen protection of the artifact but also to support research and promote the area's unique cultural heritage, potentially creating new opportunities for local tourism development.

Tran Tuyen