Hidden in the mountains of northern Laos is one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in Southeast Asia – the Plain of Jars. This prehistoric landscape features thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across the high valleys and foothills of the Xiangkhouang Plateau.
On the Xiangkhouang Plateau, Laos, nestled among lush green hills is a mysterious heritage that attracts visitors from around the world: the Plain of Jars. This site boasts thousands of gigantic stone jars of varying sizes and shapes, spread over a vast area.
Carved from solid stone, they range in height and width from 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 ft). Most are cylindrical with a wider base and a smaller top, suggesting they may have had lids, although only a few have been found intact. One jar even features a complex relief depicting the mysterious character known as the “frog man.”
The Plain of Jars (Xiêng Khỏang, Northern Laos) is home to thousands of mysterious stone jars scattered across 52 sites on the Muong Phuon Plateau and has long been a renowned cultural and historical tourist destination. To this day, it remains one of the most dangerous archaeological sites in the world.
- Plain of Jars – the most dangerous archaeological site in the world
- The mystery of the Plain of Jars in Laos
The Plain of Jars dates back to the Iron Age (500 BC – 500 AD) and comprises at least 3,000 gigantic stone jars, estimated to be 2,500 years old, standing three meters tall and weighing several tons. Most of the jars are made of sandstone, while others are crafted from granite and harder limestone. (Photo: Jarryd Salem).
Due to the jars having rims at their openings, archaeologists believe that originally all of them had lids. Although a few stone lids have been recorded, it is likely that the primary material used to cover the jar openings was wood or rattan. (Photo: Jarryd Salem).
The ancient creators of the jars possessed a certain understanding of materials and appropriate methods. It is likely they used iron chisels for carving, although there is no evidence to confirm this hypothesis. Scientists know very little about the authors of the gigantic Plain of Jars. The jars themselves do not provide much insight into their origin or purpose. (Photo: Jarryd Salem).
According to local legend, the jars were created by giants because their king needed a place to store rice wine. This wine was brought in to celebrate the victory of the good king Khun Jeuam against the evil king Chao Angka. (Photo: Jarryd Salem).
Some scientists believe that the jars were used to store rainwater during the monsoon season. However, most archaeologists think they are containers for human remains. Excavations by Lao and Japanese archaeologists over the years have supported this hypothesis, as many skeletons, burial goods, and ceramics have been found around the stone jars. (Photo: Ancient Origins).
According to archaeologists, the jars served as resting places for the deceased. This is a common practice in Laos and Thailand. The soft tissues of the bodies placed in the jars would decompose and the bodies would dry out before cremation. Subsequently, the ashes would be placed back into the jar or buried in a sacred place. The empty jars would then be used to contain other bodies. (Photo: World Mysteries Blog).
Archaeologists have yet to draw a final conclusion. However, their research work is hampered by the fact that the Plain of Jars is one of the most dangerous archaeological areas in the world. Scattered across the plains are thousands of unexploded bombs, landmines, and munitions, covering more than 35% of the land area of the entire province, continuing to threaten the lives of 200,000 people living in Xieng Khouang. (Photo: World Mysteries Blog).
In recent years, studies in some safe locations have been conducted, and archaeologists are making significant discoveries about the stone jars amid nature. What is perplexing is that some of the jars stand alone, while others are grouped in large clusters.
In a paper published in PLOS One, an international research team reported that so far, it has not been possible to estimate when these jars appeared here and the origin of the stone blocks.
According to the team, using a technique called Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) to date the stone jars, results indicate they might date back to the late 2nd millennium BC.
According to researchers, these stone jars may date back to the late 2nd millennium.
At some sites, skeletons have been found as evidence of burial. Using radiocarbon dating, the research team determined that the skeletons date from the 9th to 13th centuries. From this latest evidence, it is possible that the Plain of Jars existed before burial practices took place here thousands of years ago, but what their purpose and significance were remains unknown.
However, previous studies have found that burial practices have existed here since the time of the jars. Therefore, archaeologists will conduct broader research to uncover human activities with the jars continuously since their inception.
Another mystery that many are curious about is how these large stone jars could have been transported to their current locations. Researchers suggest that the jars may have originated from a quarry 8 kilometers away from the Plain of Jars. But how an ancient civilization managed to move jars (some weighing 30 tons) here remains a mystery that needs further investigation.
The mystery of the Plain of Jars in Laos continues to be a topic of interest for researchers and tourists alike. Although there are no precise answers regarding the purpose of these gigantic stone jars, the historical, cultural value, and unique beauty of this heritage make it an unmissable destination when visiting Laos.
