In a cave in Nadee village, Viengthong district, Bolikhamxay province, central Laos, locals have discovered 14 Buddha statues, 22 swords, and 1 gong, believed to be valuable artifacts.
According to a reporter in Vientiane, Lao media reported on April 28 that local residents recently stumbled upon 14 statues, 22 swords, and 1 gong in a cave in Nadee village, Viengthong district, Bolikhamxay province, central Laos.
Buddha statues discovered inside a cave in Nadee village, Viengthong district, Bolikhamxay province. (Source: The Star).
Based on external observations, local authorities believe these could be valuable artifacts and are requesting archaeologists to verify their authenticity.
Lao media quoted the Director of the Information, Culture, and Tourism Department of Bolikhamxay province, Mr. Sonthong Vibounkuang, stating that three local residents discovered these artifacts in a cave in a densely wooded area. The information was promptly reported to local authorities.
Local officials estimate that 13 out of the 14 Buddha statues are made of gold. Authorities have moved these objects from the cave to a heavily guarded location in Nadee village.
Lao officials are currently investigating the origin and history of the statues but have not provided further details regarding their value or dating.
However, the discovery of these ancient Buddha statues is regarded as a significant event for the local community and has the potential to attract tourists to the area.
According to Mr. Sonthong, many locals are now flocking to the temporary location of the Buddha statues at a nearby temple to pay their respects.
Lao media reports that such discoveries are not uncommon in Laos, where ancient statues and relics have been unearthed in various locations, often hidden in containers or buried underground.
In 2018, local residents uncovered hundreds of small Buddha statues and relics beneath the That Inghang Stupa in Savannakhet province during restoration work.
These artifacts ranged from 8 to 10 cm in height and were made from gold, silver, bronze, wood, and other materials, estimated to date back up to 2,000 years.
In 2019, locals also discovered 60 Buddha statues in Tham Phapheenoy cave near Khamphalaeng village, Mahaxay district, Khammouane province. Archaeologists noted that these statues could be several hundred years old.
These Buddha statues, made of fragrant wood, are currently preserved in Tham Phapheenoy cave, which has now become a tourist attraction.
