After more than 20 days of excavation, the shapes of two ancient boats near Luy Lau citadel (Thuan Thanh town, Bac Ninh province) have been revealed. Experts have begun to find answers about the age and mysteries of these two ancient boats...
Unique and valuable discovery
At the end of 2024, while renovating a fish pond, a family in Cong Ha neighborhood (Ha Man ward, Thuan Thanh town) discovered an object shaped like a boat tens of meters long. Immediately after that, the family stopped operating the machinery to avoid causing impact and quickly reported it to the local authorities.
The discovery location is about 1km from Luy Lau citadel, about 600m northeast of Dau pagoda; about 500m from To pagoda (worshipping Buddha Mother Man Nuong) as the crow flies. Within the excavation area of about 300m2, the two boats are located about 2m apart. One is about 15m long and 2.2m wide; the other is 14m long and about 1.6m wide. Although located deep underground, the boats are still quite intact.
According to Dr. Pham Van Trieu - Deputy Head of the Historical Archaeology Department (Institute of Archaeology), this is a very valuable discovery because of the uniqueness of the artifact. According to measurements, the newly excavated boat is about 16.2m long; about 2.5m wide; the depth, from the most intact part to the bottom is 2.15m. In terms of structure, the two boats are joined together at the bow, the bottom is a dugout, the top is joined with wooden mortise and tenon boards.
Preliminary assessment shows that this is a boat that proves the authenticity of the role of Dau River in history. According to the excavation location, Dau River is oriented in the North - South direction, the boat is lying horizontally in the East - West direction. Overall space, the boat's location is about 800m from Luy Lau citadel as the crow flies. If taking Luy Lau citadel as the center, rotating in a radius of 1km, then this area is densely surrounded by communal house and pagoda relics.
“During the initial excavation and research, this could be a double-hulled boat with two bottoms using a fairly advanced mortise and tenon technique. The entire boat uses wooden nails, and the bottom of the boat is carved from a single tree trunk. This is a very valuable discovery because of the uniqueness of the artifact. The discovery location is about 1km from Luy Lau citadel, about 600m northeast of Dau pagoda, so it could have been used to transport goods on the ancient Dau river,” said Dr. Pham Van Trieu.
At present, the exact age and type of the two boats have not been determined. However, archaeologists initially speculate that they were probably built between the 11th and 14th centuries, using teak and ironwood. No other artifacts were found inside the boats, only some seeds and branches. To clarify the age and function of the boats, experts have collected many specimens. Some of them are being analyzed using the Carbon-14 (C14) radioactive isotope method. This process is being carried out by the Institute of Archaeology in coordination with the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, and is expected to take about 20-25 days to get the results.
Although it is not yet possible to make an overall assessment of the value of the boat, many experts believe that this is one of the largest and most unique boats ever discovered in the history of Vietnamese archaeology.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tong Trung Tin - Chairman of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, commented that this is an unprecedented boat in Vietnam, considering many aspects such as materials, shipbuilding techniques and structure.
He emphasized the need for continued in-depth, comprehensive and extensive research to fully assess the value of the boat and find effective conservation solutions. In addition, Associate Professor, Dr. Tong Trung Tin also proposed widely publicizing the information to attract the attention of international experts, thereby contributing to clarifying the historical and cultural values of Vietnam in general and Bac Ninh province in particular.
Sharing the same view, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri - Department of Underwater Archaeology (Institute of Archaeology) commented that this is an important discovery in connecting the Dau River with the sea and Thang Long citadel in the ancient river flow system from ancient times.
Suggested conservation options
According to scientists, moving the two large boats out of the site is a big challenge, because the boats are large and have been submerged in water for a long time, so moving them in their original state is impossible. Therefore, it is recommended that local authorities and relevant agencies study on-site conservation options, including building tanks and exhibition houses to effectively protect and display the artifacts.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan - Director of the National History Museum said that regardless of the age of the boat, it is still an extremely valuable and meaningful heritage. Therefore, careful investment and research are needed to preserve it.
Regarding this issue, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri said that preservation can be done using one of two options. The first option is to fill in the archaeological area to keep the underground relic intact, while also delimiting the area for protection. 3D images recreating the boat will be used to serve tourists and locals, helping them visualize the artifact clearly while still ensuring preservation.
Or preserve it in situ without filling it, by building a reservoir to maintain the boat's current state. This option allows visitors to visit directly, bringing long-term and sustainable conservation value.
In addition, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Minh Tri also emphasized the need to soon apply 3D scanning technology to record the entire structure of the ship. This will help collect data for analysis, comparison, and expanded research, while creating opportunities to bring information internationally, thereby seeking professional and technical support from foreign experts.
Associate Professor Dr. Ha Van Can - Deputy Director in charge of the Institute of Archaeology proposed in situ conservation, and recommended filling up for conservation. After having a plan, a project will be established to build a preservation house, a relic house, re-excavate, and conduct wood conservation. At that time, together with conservation experts and archaeologists, appropriate solutions will be proposed. For now, urgent in situ conservation is needed.
From the opinions of scientists, Mr. Le Quang Vu - an expert of the Department of Cultural Heritage suggested that the next step now is to open some exploration pits to get more information because there is almost no information related to this boat. In addition, it is necessary to retrospectively investigate related documents; at the same time, the conservation plan must be based on the research results. In situ conservation is the most optimal conservation at this stage.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dap - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Bac Ninh said that this is an important and particularly valuable discovery. For the first time, a pair of twin-hulled boats have been found in Vietnam with very sophisticated boat-building techniques. Currently, experts are still waiting for the results of the test to determine the exact age. For now, many opinions are leaning towards the in-situ preservation plan. When there are specific results, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will have a report to the Provincial People's Committee to ask for direction.
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/xung-quanh-2-chiec-thuyền-co-vua-phat-hien-o-bac-ninh-dau-tich-lich-su-ben-dong-song-dau-10302428.html
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