(HBO) - As introduced by Bui Thi Thien Tan – an official of the provincial museum staff, I contemplated every stone artifact displayed in the lively and warm space. There are over 300 artifacts on display here which have become "messengers of time" to relive unique values of Hoa Binh Culture.


Photo: Official of the provincial museum introduces stone artifacts of Hoa Binh Culture 

Tan said the most feature of Hoa Binh Culture is the collection of tools made from pebbles. By combining technical methods of splitting, grinding, cutting, hewing, sawing, residents of Hoa Binh Culture has made many tools such as long and short blades and axes, stone hoe, hinged axe with shoulder. They also made some tools from pieces of stones, bones, horns and shells. These are rudimentary tools, bearing the value of a unique prehistoric culture.

"Hoa Binh Culture is defined as a link between the old stone age (Son Vi Culture) and the new stone age (Bac Son Culture)".

Next to the space for stone-age artefacts is a display of "Fine Arts in Hoa Binh Culture", which proves that artistic activities of Hoa Binh Culture appeared. If visitors look closely at each object, they could see some patterns engraved on stones or bones, mostly geometric patterns such as parallel lines, concentric circles or simple drawings such as water waves, comb teeth, fish bone. Besides art, residents of Hoa Culture Binh had their own aesthetics concept. They knew how to make simple and vivid jewelries. From bones and shell fishes, they knew how to drill hole and cross thread to make delicate and pretty bracelets, necklaces, earrings. 

In the "Cave Model” space, the museum relived part of lives of prehistoric people of Hoa Binh Culture. 

The display was part of celebrations for the 85th anniversary of the world’s recognition of Hoa Binh Culture. In 2017, the museum showcased outstanding values of Hoa Binh Culture, with hundreds of stone artefacts – "messengers of time” over the past hundreds of thousands of years imbued with Hoa Binh Culture – an attractive prehistoric culture that contains mysterious and long-lasting values. 

 

Related Topics


Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 3 - Reviving traditional values

Hoa Binh province has carried out multiple programmes and initiatives to revive its cultural heritage which has gradually fallen into oblivion through the ebbs and flows of history.

Exploring Hoa Binh Culture

The most prominent and defining feature in the prehistoric era of Hoa Binh is the Hoa Binh Culture. The Culture was first discovered in Hoa Binh. The significant prehistoric culture represents not only Vietnam but also Southeast Asia and southern China. Through excavations of cave sites in the limestone regions of Hoa Binh, French archaeologist M. Colani introduced the world to a "Stone Age in Hoa Binh province – Northern Vietnam" in 1927. On January 30, 1932, the First Congress of Far Eastern Prehistorians, held in Hanoi, officially recognised the Hoa Binh Culture.

Promoting Hoa Binh cultural heritage values: Part 2 - Rich cultural heritage in Vietnam’s northwest gateway

Known as the "Land of Epic History”, Hoa Binh province, the gateway to Vietnam’s northwest, boasts a strategic location and a unique cultural tapestry woven by its ethnic minority communities.

Receiving the certificate of the historical and cultural site at the provincial level for Sau Communal House, Thanh Cao Commune

The People's Committee of Luong Son District recently held a ceremony to receive the certificate recognizing Sau Communal House in Thanh Cao Commune as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.

Motivation for community to enhance cultural heritage preservation

Recognising the importance of cultural heritage preservation in protecting and promoting the value system of Vietnamese culture, and serving socio-economic development in the new period, Party committees and local administrations in Hoa Binh province have identified it as a key task in the cultural development strategy. The province has been making efforts in mobilising resources, creating consensus among people and engaging ethnic communities in preserving and promoting cultural identity.

A journey through time: Exploring rich history, formation of Hoa Binh province: Article 1: Major features of Hoa Binh province formation

Hoa Binh province has captured growing attention both domestically and internationally for its distinctive cultural heritage and rich history. Most notably, it has been renowned for its famous Hoa Binh culture, considered the cradle of ancient Vietnamese civilisation. Looking ahead to significant milestones in 2025 and the 140th anniversary of province establishment in 2026, Hoa Binh Newspaper presents a comprehensive overview of the province's development across economic, social, cultural, tourism, and security domains.