Located about 50 km from Buon Ma Thuot, the site reflects distinctive funeral customs of the M’nong ethnic group, offering insight into their long-standing spiritual beliefs.
Hundreds of ancient graves with ceramic jars in M'Lieng Village (Photo: Truong Nguyen).
According to local elder Y We Enuol, 75, the use of ceramic jars in burial practices has been deeply rooted in M’nong culture for generations. These jars were not only used to ferment traditional rice wine but also symbolized wealth and social status within the community.
“When a person passes away, the family selects a jar that was most valuable or closely associated with the deceased to be buried alongside them,” he said.
Y We Enuol recounts the traditional M'Nong burial process (Photo: Truong Nguyen).
Before burial, a small hole is made in the jar. Locals believe this allows the deceased to receive the item in the afterlife.
At the cemetery, many jars are partially buried next to graves, with their upper halves visible above the ground. Over time, some graves and jars have been eroded by weather, and the community has since moved to a newer burial site.
Despite this, the ancient cemetery remains an important historical and cultural landmark, preserving evidence of the M’nong community’s development and traditions.
Village chief Y Doan Enuol said the site is strictly protected. “No one is allowed to cut trees or cultivate land in this area, as it is reserved for the deceased,” he noted.
The ancient burial ground lies beside Lak Lake (Photo: Truong Nguyen).
Local authorities are now working with the community to develop a conservation plan aimed at preserving the cemetery and promoting it as a cultural destination, helping visitors better understand the heritage of the Central Highlands.
