A team of archaeologists has just announced several significant discoveries related to the Metal Age at the Chuoi Garden Archaeological Site (Lai Xa village, Kim Chung commune, Hoai Duc district, Hanoi).
According to Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy, a researcher at the Archaeological Institute, the excavation in the western area of the Chuoi Garden site has been conducted over a total area of 6,000 m2. Many pits have been excavated, each measuring about 100 m², leading to important initial findings.
“First of all, the research team discovered the layout of the pre-Dong Son habitation area. The site is located at the highest point of the Chuoi Garden mound, featuring a basin-like structure with an outer edge approximately 0.5 m higher than the inside. Initial assessments suggest that ancient people utilized the natural terrain of the mound as well as the lower areas at its base, and they constructed a settlement within. This includes a protective ditch about 10 m wide and 2.5-3 m deep surrounding the settlement,” Mr. Quy stated.
Archaeologists at the Chuoi Garden site. (Photo: Archaeological Institute).
Visually, the earth used for the construction is brown-yellow clay, commonly found on natural mounds in this area. Inside the site, there are traces of pre-Dong Son cultural phases. The outer slope served as a burial site. In the northwest corner, there is a high density of burials, forming a pre-Dong Son cemetery with at least two overlapping phases.
“This discovery is very important in the history of studying the Metal Age in northern Vietnam, helping us gain clearer insights into how ancient people managed living spaces to cope with dangers from the natural environment and ancient society. Furthermore, the construction of such a large-scale site reflects a well-organized society with a relatively high division of labor,” Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Quy added.
Funerary artifacts in an early Dong Son tomb. (Photo: Archaeological Institute).
Mr. Quy mentioned that the excavation of the Chuoi Garden site is nearly complete, but the preservation efforts are progressing very slowly.
Since 2019, the Archaeological Institute, along with relevant units, has submitted documentation to the authorities, but to date, only the eastern part of the Chuoi Garden site (the part authorized for preservation) has been recorded in the inventory of classified sites.
In contrast, the Dong Dau archaeological site, which holds similar value, has been classified as a special national heritage site.
Archaeologists are puzzled as to “why the classification for this site has been delayed”.
A representative from the Hanoi Museum stated that immediately after the conference, the museum’s heritage management department will work with the cultural office of Hoai Duc district to guide the procedures and processes for the classification request for the Chuoi Garden site.
The Chairman of the Hoai Duc District People’s Committee has committed to working alongside scientists and relevant city authorities to expedite the excavation and preservation of the Chuoi Garden site.
