Unique national treasures - Masterpieces of heritage

Recently, residents and visitors from across the country had the rare opportunity to admire 17 national treasures of the city named after President Ho Chi Minh, brought together for the first time at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History. These artifacts, dating back thousands of years, embody the cultural depth and timeless creativity of the Vietnamese people.

Visitors admire a Buddha statue - one of the national treasures on display at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History. Photo: Nhat Ha

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, Vietnam currently has 327 artifacts and artifact groups recognized as national treasures by the Prime Minister. Among them, Ho Chi Minh City is home to 17 national treasures, preserved in city museums and the private collection of Pham Gia Chi Bao (actor Chi Bao). The treasures on display vary widely in material, age, artistic style, and cultural origin. The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to “travel back in time” and admire these one-of-a-kind artifacts. More than just relics, these treasures “tell stories” of Vietnam’s rich cultural identity - rooted in an agricultural civilization that values compassion, kindness, spirituality, and the worship of goddesses.

Le Quyen Linh (living in Bien Hoa ward, Dong Nai province) shared: “On the weekend, my friends and I visited The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens and combined the trip with a stop at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, just in time for the last day of the museum's National Treasures Exhibition. I felt fortunate to witness these national treasures in person. Through the artifacts and the QR code information, I gained a deeper understanding of our nation’s cultural depth.”

Dong Nai Weekend is pleased to present to readers a selection of artifacts featured in the exhibition.

Devi Goddess statue

The statue of Goddess Devi was recognized as a national treasure in 2012. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, the statue was made of sandstone, found in Huong Que, Quang Nam province. It depicts a bare-chested female figure in a half-body form.

According to Cham legend, the goddess Devi, known as Rija Kula Hara Devi, was the wife of King Indravarman II, the founder of the Dong Duong dynasty (in present-day Quang Nam) during the 9th century. Due to her contributions to the nation and her compassionate heart, especially her care for the poor, orphans, and widows, she was deified after her death by King Jaya Sinhavarman I, who had a temple tower built in her honor.

Admiring national treasures is also a way for today’s generation to reflect on the past, gain a deeper understanding of the nation’s heritage, and foster awareness of preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural legacy.

Seal of “Luong Tai Hau chi an” (Marquis Luong Tai)

The seal “Seal of Marquis Luong Tai” was cast in bronze in 1833 during the Nguyen Dynasty and recognized as a national treasure in 2020. It was one of 27 artifacts and artifact groups designated in the 8th round of national treasure recognition in 2019. This object is the second national treasure housed at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, after the "Bronze printing molds of 5 Vietnam Dong credit notes", which was recognized in the 7th round in 2018.

Vishnu statue

Dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries, this bronze statue belongs to the Oc Eo culture. It depicts the Hindu god Vishnu in a standing posture and was discovered in Tan Hoi, Rach Gia. Vishnu, known as the Preserver, is one of the three principal deities in Hinduism (alongside Shiva and Brahma). Revered for his benevolence and role in destroying evil, Vishnu was widely worshipped by the ancient Funan civilization. The statue is notable for its harmonious proportions and aesthetic value and has been exhibited in several renowned museums worldwide.

Dong Son Ceramic Steamer (Chõ)

Made of terracotta and dating back 2,500-2,000 years (Dong Son culture), this steamer was discovered in Dong Tien, Thanh Hoa, and recognized as a national treasure in 2024. It belongs to the private collection of Pham Gia Chi Bao.

The Dong Tien ceramic steamer is the largest and most intact artifact of its kind, featuring balanced, harmonious proportions and decorative motifs characteristic of the Dong Son culture. It is an important material source of historical evidence that reflects the material and spiritual life, religious practices, and agricultural beliefs of the ancient Vietnamese people of the Dong Son era.

Bronze printing molds of 5 Vietnam Dong credit notes

This one-of-a-kind bronze printing mold, dating from 1947, is housed at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum and was recognized as a national treasure in 2018.

The printing mold for the 5 Dong credit note is a unique original artifact with a distinctive form. Its defining value lies in the credit notes printed from it, which were issued decades ago, making it a significant piece of both financial and cultural history.

By: Lam Vien - Nhat Ha
Translated by: Hong Van - Minho