National treasures of the Hung Kings era in the ancestral land

Preserving the historical, cultural, and scientific imprints of Vietnam, the National Treasures (NTs) associated with the Hung Kings era hold immense value. These artifacts not only serve as powerful symbols of the nation’s heroic past but also contribute to educating future generations about the tradition of nation-building and defense. They continue to attract researchers, students, and visitors eager to explore the rich heritage of the Ancestral Land.

The National Treasure Collection Nha Chuong (real artifact) is displayed, preserved, and attracted the attention of many visitors and foreign researchers.

Currently, Phu Tho Province is home to four recognized National Treasures linked to the Hung Kings era: the Statue of Mother Au Co, the Hung King Temple Bronze Drum, the Bronze Belt Buckle Set, and the Nha Chuong Collection. These treasures are among the rarest and most significant artifacts in Vietnam.

Nha Chuong Collection - The Symbol of Power

Among these invaluable relics, the Nha Chuong Collection is considered the essence of Vietnam’s thousand-year-old cultural heritage. Historically, Nha Chuong symbolized leadership and was crafted from jade using advanced techniques such as grinding, chiseling, drilling, and sawing to create intricate radial holes and symmetrical grooves. The exceptional craftsmanship - achieved through techniques like smoothing, polishing, and beveling in V- and fishtail shapes - demonstrates the high level of artistry of the era.

To date, this collection has only been discovered in Phu Tho, the first capital of the Van Lang State, making it a unique and invaluable historical artifact.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Ngan, Deputy Director of the Hung Vuong Museum, emphasized, "The Nha Chuong Collection housed in our museum is an original artifact of extraordinary historical significance, deeply connected to the founding of our nation. In recent years, its value has been increasingly recognized, drawing the attention of domestic and international scholars, history enthusiasts, and visitors alike."

Hung King Temple Bronze Drum—The Largest Dong Son Drum in Southeast Asia

The Hung King Temple Bronze Drum, discovered in 1990 at Phan Ngui Hill, Hy Cuong Commune, Viet Tri City, is an outstanding example of ancient bronze craftsmanship. This Dong Son drum stands out for its intricate casting techniques and richly stylized decorative motifs, which vividly depict the life and beliefs of people during the Hung Kings era.

The drum measures 93 cm in diameter at the top, 94 cm at the bottom, and 66 cm in height, and weighs 90 kg. It belongs to the Heger I type, group C - a classification of ancient Southeast Asian bronze drums. Notably, it is the largest Dong Son drum ever found in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

The face of the drum features a thickly cast sun disc at the center, encircled by three concentric rings that divide the surface into distinct sections adorned with intricate decorative patterns. The drum body is divided into three sections, with the upper portion featuring five rings of stylized motifs, the middle section showcasing eight rectangular frames of stylized costumes, and the lower section slightly flaring outward with additional concentric rings.

Bronze Belt Buckle Set - A Symbol of Leadership

Unearthed in 1976 at the Lang Ca archaeological site in Tho Son Ward, Viet Tri City, the Bronze Belt Buckle Set is a one-of-a-kind artifact discovered in Phu Tho. Measuring 21 cm in length, 5.5 cm in width, and weighing 380 g, this brass buckle consists of eight intricately linked turtles.

Historians and archaeologists believe that this belt buckle was worn by leaders during the Hung Kings era. Beyond its historical value, it showcases the advanced metallurgy and refined aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The belt’s surface is adorned with stylized turtles interwoven with S-shaped spirals, a motif rich in symbolism. The artistic rendering of the turtles is particularly unique, further enhancing the artifact’s significance.

Statue of Mother Au Co—A Masterpiece of Nguyen Dynasty Royal Art

Recognized as a National Treasure in 2020, the Statue of Mother Au Co is currently enshrined in the main hall of Au Co Temple, Hien Luong Commune, Ha Hoa District. Carved from jackfruit wood and gilded, the statue stands 149 cm tall, 39 cm thick, and 44 cm wide.

Depicting Mother Au Co in a seated position atop a unicorn pedestal, the statue exudes an aura of grace and reverence. Her hands rest gently on her knees in a mudra gesture, symbolizing wisdom and serenity. The statue’s facial features - high forehead, delicate nose, elongated ears, and a serene expression - capture the essence of Vietnam’s revered Mother Goddess.

Mother Au Co is depicted wearing two layers of intricately carved robes, which cascade down to the pedestal. Her regal crown and elegant attire reflect the sophisticated artistic traditions of the Nguyen Dynasty, highlighting the statue’s historical and cultural significance.

The four National Treasures linked to the Hung Kings era not only possess artistic and aesthetic value but also serve as enduring witnesses to Vietnam’s ancient history, culture, and social evolution. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, these treasures continue to inspire national pride and raise public awareness about cultural preservation.

Phu Tho’s cultural authorities have implemented various initiatives to promote and safeguard these relics. Exhibition programs showcasing the province’s cultural heritage - including the National Treasures - are regularly organized to engage the public. Additionally, educational campaigns integrate these artifacts into heritage experience programs, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s origins and fostering a sense of responsibility for cultural conservation.

Through these efforts, the National Treasures of the Hung Kings era remain not only precious relics of the past but also vibrant symbols of Vietnam’s enduring heritage, inspiring future generations to cherish and uphold the nation’s cultural legacy.

Thu Giang