Nearly 100 items are on display including utensils, jewelry, and primitive weapons, as well as musical instruments and textiles that represent the daily lives of ancient Vietnamese people during the Dong Son era.
The artefacts were collected from the latest research on the Dong Son culture by the Southeast Asia Prehistory Centre (SAPC).
The exhibition also showcases writings and articles on Dong Son culture by Dr. Nguyen Viet, Director of the SAPC.
“We hope that the exhibition will provide visitors with an overview of the Dong Son culture, the pinnacle of prehistoric fine arts in Vietnam and Southeast Asia,” said Dr. Viet at the opening.
The exhibition features photos and Do paper rubbings of the patterns on Dong Son bronze drums, which are masterpieces of Dong Son art.
“A bronze drum is not only for decoration, it also reflects the Dongsonian view of the universe. Four spaces are represented in the three parts of a bronze drum: the drumhead symbolises heaven and earth while the barrel represents water and the drum pedestal depicts the afterworld,” said Historian-Professor Le Van Lan.
“That’s why the bronze drum is the main symbol of the Dong Son culture, fine arts and production techniques,” he concluded.
A seminar on Dong Son Fine Arts will be held at the Viet Art Centre on September 28.
The exhibition, held jointly by the SAPC and the Vietnam University of Fine Arts, aims to raise the younger generations’ awareness of preserving Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
The ‘Dongsonian Arts’ exhibition will last through October 3.
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Historian-Professor Le Van Lan speaks at the exhibition’s opening ceremony
