A glance at Hoa Binh Civilisation: Stone Age traces at archaeological sites

12/11/2022 - 7:59:08 PM

(HBO) – The Stone Age lasted about 3.4 million years and ended around 8700 - 2000 BC. During this period, stone was widely used to create sharp-edged, pointed or single-sided hammer tools used in hunting and gathering.

Personnel from the Hoa Binh Museum and the Southeast Asian Prehistoric Research Center excavate at the Mai da lang Vanh relic site in Yen Phu commune, Lac Son district.

In 1965, at Tham Khuyen cave, Binh Gia district, Lang Son province, scientists found human teeth lying in red sediment containing bones of animals dating back from the Canh Tan period. These teeth have the characteristics of both human and ape teeth. This is solid evidence of a human-ape existence in Vietnam 300,000 years ago.

In 1984, in Ma Dieu cave, Ha Trung commune, Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa province, archaeologists discovered more than 300 Paleolithic artifacts. From 1986 to 1989, thousands of stone artifacts were unearthed. In particular, 10 ancient tombs were found here.

According to Nguyen Viet, Director of the Southeast Asian Prehistoric Research Center, 108 stone artifacts and some animal bones were recovered at the relic of Trai hamlet, Tan Lap commune, Lac Son, in 1980. This was a cultural relic of the Hoabinhian which was rich in culture and artifacts. In May 1981, the Institute of Archaeology unearthed 1,150 artifacts, including stone tools, bones, pottery pieces, and rice grains. In addition, they also discovered an ancient path dating back thousands of years ago. In conclusion, the cave is a permanent residence, and a workshop for making tools of the Hoabinhian inhabitants, revealing a possible existence of a primitive wet rice farming area during the period.

The relic of Mai da lang Vanh in Vanh hamlet, Yen Phu commune, Lac Son, is a cave where a large number of shells were found, with 972 artifacts found in scientists’ related excavations. In 1929, archaeologist M.Colani discovered pieces of eight skulls there. The relic was believed to belong to the Hoabinhian, possibly dating back 17,000 to 8,000 years ago. M. Colani placed the site in the intermediate stage of the civilisation. With significant historical and scientific values, the cave was recognised as a national archaeological relic in 2004. In 2005, the Khai Ha festival of Yen Phu people was restored in association with the relic.

Mai Chau district works to preserve Thai ethnic minority group's Xoe dance

Xoe dance, an unique art form of the Thai ethnic minority group in Mai Chau district of Hoa Binh province has existed for a long time and passed down through generations. Xoe dance is not only a popular dance in the Thai community but also a unique cultural feature, an indispensable part in the Thai ethnic minority people's cultural and spiritual life.

Model of preserving Muong ethnic cultural identity in Bac Son pre-school

The Bac Son pre-school in Hung Son commune, Kim Boi district is effectively implementing a model of preserving and promoting cultural identity of the Muong ethnic group.

Lac Son district preserves Muong ethnic people’s cultural heritage

Through ups and downs, many unique cultural features of the Muong ethnic minority group are facing risks of falling into oblivion. However, with a strong determination, Lac Son district of Hoa Binh province has deployed synchronous solutions to preserve and promote the locality's cultural heritage values.

Building space to preserve Muong ethnic culture in Tan Lac district

If Tan Lac is considered the core of the cradle of Muong culture in Hoa Binh, Phong Phu commune is the cultural centre of Muong culture in Tan Lac district. Luy Ai hamlet in Phong Phu commune is where customs and traditions of Muong Bi are preserved. Luy Ai hamlet was chosen to build a space to preserve Muong ethnic culture. The district is seeking support from the province and coordinating with relevant agencies to devise a plan on preservation of Muong cultural spaces associated with developing tourism products and improving the lives of local residents.

Outstanding young artisan promotes national cultural heritage values

Nguyen Manh Tuan, a Muong ethnic man in Ba Hang Doi town, Lac Thuy district, is known as a young, dedicated, and outstanding artisan who has made significant contributions in collecting, restoring, and preserving national cultural values.

Gov’t agrees to submit Mo Muong heritage dossier to UNESCO

The Government Office with Document No. 2082/VPCP-KGVX, dated March 29, 2024, sent out the opinion of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha regarding the submission of the "Mo Muong" and "Cheo art" dossiers to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).