The Danang Museum received 88 artefacts on October 5 following an archaeological excavation at two Nguyen Dynasty military sites beneath Hai Van Pass, including a stone statue believed to be associated with Champa culture.
A sandstone statue discovered at Chon Sang Fort (Photo: Hoang Anh).
The handover was organised by the Danang Relics and Scenic Sites Management Board in collaboration with the Institute of Archaeology and Danang Museum.
Chon Sang Fort and Nam Chon Station were part of Danang's coastal defence system under the Nguyen Dynasty. Located at the foot of Hai Van Pass, the two sites formed part of an interconnected network of fortifications protecting the gateway to Danang Bay, the imperial capital of Hue and the central coast.
The excavation covered 600 square metres and uncovered architectural remains and numerous artefacts, providing further insight into the scale, structure, chronology and historical and cultural significance of the two sites.
At Chon Sang Fort, archaeologists discovered a sandstone statue depicting a deity in a meditative pose. Preliminary research suggests the statue dates to around the eighth century, approximately 1,200 years ago, and may belong to the Champa culture.
The Danang Relics and Scenic Sites Management Board said 88 artefacts had been handed over to Danang Museum, including 10 from Chon Sang Fort and 78 from Nam Chon Station. Eight of the artefacts have been restored.
Relevant records and specialist documents were also handed over to support the management, research and preservation of the artefacts in accordance with regulations.
