Phu Yen has the first national treasure

On the morning of April 1, the People's Committee of Phu Yen province held a ceremony to announce the Prime Minister's decision to recognize the Kala Ba Mountain relief as a national treasure. This is one of 33 artifacts and groups of artifacts recognized as national treasures according to Decision No. 1712/QD-TTg, dated December 31, 2024.

Authorized by the Prime Minister, Vice Chairman of Phu Yen Provincial People's Committee Dao My presented the decision to recognize the national treasure of Kala Ba Mountain relief to the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Phu Yen Provincial Museum.

"The recognition of the Kala Nui Ba relief as a national treasure is not only a source of pride for Phu Yen but also an opportunity for the locality to promote the conservation and promotion of Champa cultural heritage. We are committed to continuing to preserve and promote the value of the treasure, associated with tourism development and community education," said Mr. Dao My.

Mr. Dao My (right) presented the decision to recognize the national treasure of the Kala relief on Ba mountain to the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Phu Yen Provincial Museum.

PHOTO: TRAN BICH NGAN

The Kala relief is the first national treasure of Phu Yen province. This relief was discovered in the excavation pit of Ba Mountain relic (My Thanh Dong village, Hoa Phong commune, Tay Hoa district), and brought to Phu Yen Provincial Museum in 1993. This is a Champa stone sculpture, 60 cm high, 44 cm wide base, 17 cm thick, and weighs 105.5 kg.

The Kala relief on Ba Mountain was created on a stone block shaped like an ear, with a flat base and a pointed top. The main face shows Kala's face, an important symbol in Hinduism. Kala has a wide mouth, 8 large teeth clearly visible, of which 2 canines are longer and sharp, and the remaining 6 are incisors. The upper lip is curved, the beard around the mouth is thick, arranged in straight lines. On each side of the mouth, there are 3 short horns growing from the bottom up. Kala's nose is large and round, with a short and broken bridge. The eyes are large and round, protruding forward, with the corners of the eyes slanted upwards. The eyelashes around the eyes are thick, and the ends of the eyelashes are twisted into a snail shape. The forehead is prominent, with a round string of beads on the forehead. The thick mane forms 4 layers.

Kala Ba Mountain relief, the first national treasure of Phu Yen province

PHOTO: DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM

According to Associate Professor Dr. Bui Chi Hoang, former Deputy Director of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, the Kala relief on Ba Mountain is a sculpture that clearly represents Champa art and beliefs, dating back to the 14th century. The image of Kala has a profound meaning in Hindu philosophy. Kala symbolizes divine power and protection.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phu-yen-co-bao-vat-quoc-gia-dau-tien-185250401120615555.htm