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7th century sculpture unearthed in Champassak
Archeologists have discovered a rare piece of sculpture at a mountain site near Vat Phou Champassak, which they believe to be of significant heritage value and dating back to the 7th century. At about 2.20 metres long and 90 cm in width, the sculpture is made of sandstone and inscribed with two naga and a Hindu spiritual image. The relic was found last weekend at the site of Kao mountain in the reserve area of World Heritage listed Vat Phou Champassak. Covered with pieces of bricks, the area between Phonthong and Champassak districts was close to the Mekong River, with the 22 cm thick sculpture hidden underneath about 20 centimetres of debris. This piece was discovered by archeologists who were conducting an excavation at the reserve area at Vat Phou. Some other small pieces were also found in the area. The archeologists said the area used to be an old palace or shrine in the 7th century and they speculated that this piece was part of the gate to the shrine.
Deputy Director of Champassak Provincial Department of Information Culture, Tourism, Mr Sivone Vangkhonevilay said the sculpture is believed to have been attached to the gate at the temple. The sculpture has now been moved to go on exhibit for the public at the Vat Phou temple site. Officials said people are not allowed to dig or fossick in the area as it is reserved and part of the national heritage.
Source: Vientiane Times (Latest Update March 18, 2015)
Archeologists have discovered a rare piece of sculpture at a mountain site near Vat Phou Champassak, which they believe to be of significant heritage value and dating back to the 7th century. At about 2.20 metres long and 90 cm in width, the sculpture is made of sandstone and inscribed with two naga and a Hindu spiritual image. The relic was found last weekend at the site of Kao mountain in the reserve area of World Heritage listed Vat Phou Champassak. Covered with pieces of bricks, the area between Phonthong and Champassak districts was close to the Mekong River, with the 22 cm thick sculpture hidden underneath about 20 centimetres of debris. This piece was discovered by archeologists who were conducting an excavation at the reserve area at Vat Phou. Some other small pieces were also found in the area. The archeologists said the area used to be an old palace or shrine in the 7th century and they speculated that this piece was part of the gate to the shrine.
Deputy Director of Champassak Provincial Department of Information Culture, Tourism, Mr Sivone Vangkhonevilay said the sculpture is believed to have been attached to the gate at the temple. The sculpture has now been moved to go on exhibit for the public at the Vat Phou temple site. Officials said people are not allowed to dig or fossick in the area as it is reserved and part of the national heritage.
Source: Vientiane Times (Latest Update March 18, 2015)