Admire the ancient statue of Goddess Durga and Champa treasures

In August 2023, the Vietnamese Embassy in the United Kingdom informed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) about the US Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the London Metropolitan Police, UK, confiscating a bronze statue of Goddess Durga, of Vietnamese origin, from an investigation into illegal antiquities trafficking and proposed the possibility of returning this antiquity to Vietnam. Immediately after receiving the information, the MOCST directed the relevant units to research, compare documents and identify the bronze statue of Goddess Durga and propose a plan to receive and repatriate this statue.

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong and delegates performed the ceremony to introduce the statue of Goddess Durga to the public.

Under the close direction of the leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, after many efforts of the National Museum of History, sponsors, and the active coordination of relevant ministries, branches, agencies and units under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Department of Cultural Heritage, Department of International Cooperation, Department of Science and Technology, etc.), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Vietnam Embassy in the UK, Vietnam Embassy in the United States, etc.), the Ministry of Finance (Department of Management and Supervision of Tax, Fee and Charge Policies; General Department of Customs, etc.), on June 18, 2024, the bronze statue of Goddess Durga was safely transported to the storage warehouse of the National Museum of History, No. 01 Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.

The bronze statue of Goddess Durga is the largest bronze statue, a typical and unique representative of Champa cultural art discovered to date. It is a rare antique, of great value to Vietnamese culture and fine arts through historical periods, introduced to the public.

After the announcement, the bronze statue of Goddess Durga will have its legal documents completed, preserved and further researched for display and introduction to the public at home and abroad in the near future.

To celebrate the 79th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2 (1945 - 2024), the National Museum of History in collaboration with the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association and Collector Dao Danh Duc organized a thematic exhibition: "Champa Treasures - Marks of Time".

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong and delegates cut the ribbon to open the exhibition "Champa Treasures - Marks of Time".

The exhibition consists of two parts: Part 1 is religious statues and mascots; Part 2 is jewelry and objects symbolizing religion and royal authority.

Part 1 will introduce some typical artifacts such as: Shiva statues, male and female gods, Ganesha statues, Buddha statues, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statues, Linga - Yoni, kosalinga, Shiva head, Nandin bull statue... made of gold, silver and studded with precious stones.

Like other ancient countries in the region, Champa received and was influenced by both major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore, the most popular in Champa heritage are statues of gods, Buddhas and sacred animals, mascots of these two religions.

Decorative necklaces depicting Shiva and Nandin bull made of gold and precious stones from the 17th-18th century.

Jewelry such as bracelets, rings, pendants, Shiva headdresses, Nandin bull headdresses, and Naga snake headdresses are all meticulously crafted from gold, silver, and precious stones.

17th-18th century gold elephant earrings.

Part 2 introduces artifacts in the form of jewelry and objects symbolizing royal and religious authority, including: earrings, rings, necklaces, hairpins, combs, bracelets, gloves, belts, jewelry boxes, hats, crowns, hairnets... decorated with religious symbols and traditional beliefs of Champa art, especially Hindu gods such as: Brahma, Visnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Nandin, Garuda, Naga...

Like other ancient countries in the region, Champa received and was influenced by both major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore, the most popular in Champa heritage are statues of gods, Buddhas and sacred animals, mascots of these two religions.

The exhibition runs from August 28, 2024 to October 2024.

Source: https://toquoc.vn/chiem-nguong-co-vat-tuong-nu-than-durga-va-bau-vat-champa-20240828134406506.htm