As a result of the co-operation between the Center for Scientific and Cultural Activities Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam and An Giang Museum, the opening of the Exhibition “Oc Eo Cultural Heritage” was held on the afternoon of April, 24, 2018.
Oc Eo is an ancient culture which flourished in the Mekong Delta between the 1st and the 7th century CE. The excavation, conducted by the French archaeologist Louis Malleret at Oc Eo Mount (Vong The Commune, Thoai Son District, An Giang Province) in 1944, unearthed the first artifacts of this culture. The Oc Eo cultural space is mostly situated in the southern provinces of Viet Nam, but the most important remains are mainly concentrated in An Giang. The large number of Oc Eo cultural relics reflects a large population with a well developed system of agriculture, handicrafts and extensive trading that existed in the area of Oc Eo-Ba The (Thoai Son District), An Giang Province.
Objects made of different materials such as pottery, wood, stone, gold, bronze and glass, represent both indigenous and foreign traditions. Some show the influences of Hinduism and Buddhism that were customary in South and Southeast Asian countries in ancient times. These artifacts thus testify to the significance of Oc Eo as one of the earliest cosmopolitan trading ports in South East Asia.
The exhibition introduces visitors to nearly 100 photos and more than 40 original artifacts excavated in An Giang from 1994 to the early 21st century, including domestic utensils, working tools, ritual objects, jewelry, architectural and decorative elements.
The exhibition will be held in the Thai Hoc Courtyard of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam from April, 24, 2018 to May 24, 2018.
