Unexpected Discovery in Bắc Ninh Province
Two remarkably well-preserved wooden vessels have been uncovered in Thuận Thành, a town in Vietnam’s Bắc Ninh Province. Local residents stumbled upon the boats while renovating a fishpond and promptly reported their findings to authorities.
Excavation and Initial Findings
Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology launched an excavation to fully expose the vessels, which are believed to be historic merchant boats once used for navigating the Dau River. The two boats were found just two meters apart, with one measuring 15 meters long and 2.2 meters wide, while the other is 14 meters long and 1.6 meters wide. A wooden bar at the bow connects the vessels, suggesting they may have been permanently linked.
Early assessments indicate that both boats remain structurally intact. However, experts are still conducting material analysis to determine the age and type of wood used in their construction.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The discovery’s location near the Thien Duc-Duong River, close to the Luy Lau Citadel—a major trading hub and the first capital of the Han commandery of Jiaozhi—supports the theory that these vessels were once used for trade.
Dr. Pham Van Trieu, Deputy Head of the Department of Historical Archaeology at the Institute of Archaeology, emphasized the significance of the find. “This discovery holds great historical and cultural value. While the boats’ exact age is yet to be determined, if they are dugout canoes, they could date back to an early historical period.”
Future Research and Preservation Efforts
Image Credit : Institute of Archaeology
Recognizing the importance of the find, Mr. Vuong Quoc Tuan, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bắc Ninh Province, has instructed local authorities to commission further studies. Steps will also be taken to protect and preserve the site, ensuring that these historic vessels remain a valuable part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
