2 ancient boats in Bac Ninh: Double-hulled ancient boats from the Ly Dynasty?

Double-hulled ancient boat of the Ly Dynasty?

Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Historical Archaeology Department (Institute of Archaeology), said that the two ancient boats in Bac Ninh were actually just one boat. "This is a double-bottomed boat, not two boats," said Dr. Trieu.

2 boat hulls revealed in Bac Ninh

PHOTO BY MINH NHAN

According to Mr. Trieu, because this is a double-bottomed boat, it can be split into two hulls. "It has two hulls, so it can be split into two hulls. These two hulls are also connected to each other," said Dr. Trieu.

According to Dr. Trieu, this double-bottom boat model from the Ly Dynasty is recorded in history books. "This boat model from the Ly Dynasty is also recorded in history books. The Brief History of Vietnam records that the Vinh Long double-bottom boat was built in 1106, and the Complete Annals of Dai Viet records that the Tuong Quang double-bottom boat was built in 1124," said Dr. Trieu.

The amount of artifacts found in the two boat hulls is not much.

PHOTO BY MINH NHAN

However, Dr. Trieu said that there is still no conclusion about the "function" of this double-hulled boat. Previously, archaeologists imagined that this could be a cargo boat on the Dau River. However, the large size of the boat (each boat is 16.1 m long; divided into 6 compartments, 1.5 m deep; 1.9 m wide and more than 2 m) confused them.

The ancient boat in Bac Ninh is a unique discovery so far, both boat bodies have a strange structure with a solid structure that can withstand force and water well. In particular, the two ancient boat bodies in Bac Ninh are very firmly connected by a wooden bar at the head of the boat. It is this connection that suggested to Dr. Trieu that they are two parts of a double-bottomed boat.

"Building a house" for ancient boats in Bac Ninh

Currently, workers are watering the burlap sacks that cover the sides of the boats every day to keep them moist, preventing the boat structure from warping and the joints from coming loose. Experts also believe that the shape of the two boats is still almost intact. However, as the hot season approaches and the boats are exposed, this story needs to be carefully calculated.

With the large size of the two ancient boats in Bac Ninh, conservation must be carefully calculated. According to Dr. Trieu: "The ancient boats in Bac Ninh are so long, with such a solid structure, it is impossible to move them in their original state. Disassembling each boat body one by one to move them will not be in their original state anymore."

The coming hot season brings conservation challenges

PHOTO: MINH NHAN

That is why Dr. Trieu thought of an in situ conservation plan. At that time, it was necessary to "build a house" to avoid external impacts on the ancient boats in Bac Ninh. For example, having a roof, or using the pond there for conservation.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Minh Tri, Department of Underwater Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) proposed two options for preserving the two ancient boats in Bac Ninh. Option 1 is to "preserve the original state underground". According to Associate Professor Tri, after zoning to preserve the original state, 3D images of the relic and artifacts will be used to serve tourists and local people. Option 2, preserve in situ without filling, build a tank wall and have water for preservation, tourists can come and see directly.

Previously, ancient boats in Bac Ninh were discovered in Cong Ha quarter (Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province) when Mr. Nguyen Van Chien hired an excavator to dig a pond to prepare for releasing tilapia. People also flocked to see the boats with their own eyes. Mr. Chien himself also wanted to determine the age of the two ancient boats in Bac Ninh, then turn them into cultural relics.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/2-thuyen-co-o-bac-ninh-thuyen-co-2-long-thoi-ly-185250327092017075.htm