Among the 10 artifacts recently received from the United States by the National Museum of History, there is a stone axe dating back to the Late Neolithic period, 4 artifacts from the Đông Sơn culture, 3 stone crocodile statues from the 1st – 2nd centuries AD, and 2 bronze pipes from the 17th – 18th centuries.
On November 18, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Đoàn, Director of the National Museum of History, received 10 artifacts returned by the U.S. Ms. Pam DeVolder, Cultural Information Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, stated that these 10 artifacts are part of over 7,000 items recovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) many years ago.
The stone axe is the earliest artifact received this time, dating back to the Late Neolithic period in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. The axe has a rectangular cross-section, is polished smooth, but still shows signs of rough shaping.
The ceramic pot is dated to the Đông Sơn culture. It has a slightly flared mouth, a spherical body, a round bottom, and is made of yellow-brown clay with decorative patterns.
The bronze axe with a slanted blade dates back to the Đông Sơn culture. The body of the axe features a locking hole that is nearly triangular in shape.
The bronze axe is covered with a green patina and dates back to the Đông Sơn culture.
Two bronze pipes dating back to the 17th – 18th centuries, resembling modern pipes, with a round stem. One pipe measures 46.4 cm in length, while the other is 44.7 cm long.
The stone crocodile statue features decorative patterns on its back and is dated to the late Đông Sơn period, specifically the 1st – 2nd centuries AD.
A total of 10 artifacts were returned, including 1 Late Neolithic stone axe, 4 artifacts (3 bronze axes and 1 ceramic pot) from the Đông Sơn culture, 3 stone crocodile statues from the 1st – 2nd centuries AD, and 2 bronze pipes from the 17th – 18th centuries.
The National Museum of History has received, preserved, and completed the scientific documentation of these artifacts, and will continue to research and plan to promote the value of this collection in the near future.
During the ceremony, Ms. Pam DeVolder affirmed that the U.S. will continue to support Vietnam in investigating, locating, and recovering artifacts that have been illegally trafficked.
