Ancient bronze drum discovered in Lao Cai

An ancient bronze drum and several relics, including bones and bronze axes, have been found in Ta Thang village, Gia Phu commune, Bao Thang district, the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai.

The ancient bronze drum found in Ta Thang village. (Photo: NDO)
The ancient bronze drum found in Ta Thang village. (Photo: NDO)

The information was released by Lao Cai province’s Museum on April1.

They were discovered accidentally at the construction of the house for Hoang Thi Vang’s family.

The bronze drum, which has been named Gia Phu bronze drum, is 38cm in height and 67.5cm in width. Its tympan is 63cm in diameter, while its barrel is 23cm in height.

The bronze drum was believed to belong to the Dong Son culture, originating in Vietnam 2,000-2,500 years ago. (Photo: NDO)

The tympan is emblazoned with a solar star with 12 rays in the middle, surrounded by peacock feather and symmetric saw-tooth patterns.

According to the initial assessment, the bronze drum was believed to belong to the Dong Son culture, originating in Vietnam 2,000-2,500 years ago.

It is a very valuable artifact for scientific, historical and cultural research, contributing to affirming the long-term development of ancient Lac Viet residents in the northern frontier area of Vietnam.