Additional information on the stupa unearthed in Bokeo province, Laos
Photo: The 700-800 year old stupa and Buddha statues discovered beneath the Mekong River in Bokeo province.
A 4 metre high stupa and 11 copper and brass statues of Buddha have recently been discovered in the Mekong River in Bokeo province.
Deputy Director General of the National Heritage Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, Mr Viengkeo Souksavatdy, said he believes the relics may be from the 13th or 14th century, in the Lane Xang era. “But the area is so little studied it is hard to say at this stage,” he added.
Evidence is now emerging that there may have been a significant city in the area. It is near the site believed to be the ancient city of Souvannakhomkham. Flooding and erosion changed the course of the river over the centuries forcing the occupants to eventually abandon the area and move to higher ground.
The relics have been moved to Dongsavanh temple in Tonpheuang district after the discovery a few months ago by local fishermen.
The news of the discovery has brought crowds to worship the stupa and Buddha statues.
“The discovery has surprised the villagers. Even though they have lived here for a long time, they didn't know there might have been a temple under the river,” said an archaeologist from the provincial Department of Information and Culture, Mr Somepaseud Souvannakham.
In recent times, people did not fish in this area because the water was too deep, but now the river is much lower and has exposed the riverbed for about 200 metres from the bank.
The authorities are preventing people from going into the area because they are planning to do more excavations. Archaeologists believe there may be more artefacts in the area and they want to prevent illegal excavations which will prevent proper scientific study and interpretation of the site. It is also important to prevent the illegal trade in artefacts.
Officials have not yet decided whether to keep the statues and stupa in Dongsavanh temple.
Archaeologists will revisit the temple to discuss the matter with the authorities and to register the finds as items of national heritage.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
Posted by samakomlao
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