Phu Yen: Announcing the National Treasure of Kala Ba Mountain Relief

Kala Nui Ba relief in Phu Yen recognized as National Treasure

This is an activity to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Phu Yen Liberation Day (April 1, 1975 - April 1, 2025) and Southern Liberation Day, National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

According to Phu Yen Museum, the Kala Nui Ba relief dates back to the 14th century and was discovered in 1993 during the excavation of the Nui Ba relic in Hoa Phong commune, Tay Hoa district (Phu Yen).

Kala Nui Ba relief is a Champa stone sculpture made of Dacite Riolit stone, 60cm high, 44cm wide base, 17cm thick, weighing 105.5kg.

The reliefs along with other artifacts associated with this temple architecture help scientists determine the fundamental values of this relic such as the originality, age of the relic and the relic as well as determine the scale and stature of Nui Ba relic, in the complex of Cham relics in Phu Yen in particular and Champa relics along the central coast of Vietnam.

From research results, Kala relief belongs to Thap Mam sculpture art style (also known as Binh Dinh style).

This is a unique artifact, belonging to the late Thap Mam style, the last Kala head, dating back to the latest period. To date, no Kala head dating after the 14th century has been discovered.

This creates the unique value of the Kala relief discovered in Phu Yen, representing a style of Champa sculpture art...

Kala was discovered in early Cham relics made on terracotta (My Son) and stone artifacts only appeared in the late period of Binh Dinh style, typically the Duong Long relic.

Kala (Phu Yen) with its artifact on a stone block shaped like an ear, delicate carvings, layout and shaping techniques have created a Kala with its own unique spirit compared to Kala discovered in other Cham relics.

Kala Nui Ba relief is a Champa stone sculpture made of Riolit Daxit stone, 60cm high, 44cm wide base, 17cm thick, weight 105.5kg

In Champa sculpture, Kala is a manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, the destroyer and creator of the universe.

According to legend, Kala is the head of a ferocious monster that was subdued by the god Shiva and became one of the symbols of this god.

The Kala image combines some features in the appearance of unicorns, dragons, lions... is a unique creation in Champa sculpture art...

The recognition of Kala Nui Ba relief by the Prime Minister as the first national treasure of Phu Yen province has a special significance for the work of preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritages in the province in general and Champa cultural heritage in particular, aiming to promote resources from the cultural heritage system to meet the requirements of local socio-economic development.

Delegates attending the announcement ceremony of the Kala Nui Ba relief in Phu Yen recognized as a National Treasure

Also within the framework of the program, Phu Yen Museum organizes a Special Exhibition on Cham Cultural Heritage in Phu Yen.

The exhibition introduced to the people and tourists hundreds of artifacts, images, and documents about Cham cultural heritages excavated and found at 21 relics in the area.

Champa culture is a unique culture that once held an important position throughout a long period in the Central strip of land.

The values of Champa culture have contributed to creating a rich and diverse culture of ethnic communities living together in Vietnam.

Today, Champa cultural heritage is part of Vietnam's cultural heritage and the world's cultural heritage. Among them, Champa sculpture has left behind many masterpieces, which are the quintessence of heritage with eternal value.

Also within the framework of the program, Phu Yen Museum organizes a Special Exhibition on Cham Cultural Heritage in Phu Yen.

Located in the Champa cultural heritage distribution area, Phu Yen is a place where many relics and artifacts exist that reflect the typical values of this culture.

Regarding relics, there are the special national relic Nhan Tower, the national relic Thanh Ho, the provincial relic Dong Tac Cham Tower and many other relics that have been discovered, inventoried and researched.

Regarding relics, hundreds of Champa cultural relics have been discovered and collected at the Provincial Museum for storage, preservation, research, display, and exploitation to promote their value. In particular, the Kala relief is an artifact of typical value.

After being discovered and brought back to preserve and display at Phu Yen Museum, the Kala relief has attracted the attention of many experts on Champa culture.

GERANIUM

Source: https://baotanglichsu.vn/vi/Articles/3091/75325/phu-yen-cong-bo-bao-vat-quoc-gia-phu-djieu-kala-nui-ba.html