Binh Dinh Museum and the Southern Social Sciences Institute’s Archaeology Research Centre held the second archaeological excavation of Duong Long towers in Tay Binh Commune of Tay Son District. The excavation unearthed many vestiges.
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Scene of the archaeological excavation of Duong Long towers. Photo H.T
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Foundations clearly identified
Following the findings in 2006, the second excavation was mainly carried out in the south and east areas of the towers. At the east area of the south tower, archaeologists found a three-layer earth foundation. The first layer is a mix of broken bricks and brick powder, the second is made of macadam, and the third is a laterid gravel one which is thought to be the original surface.
In the east of the middle tower, a 10 m-length brick wall was discovered, running parallel to the wall found in 2006. Two shorter brick lines with similar structure were unearthed on the opposite side. At the end of two lines are vestiges of two brick pillars leaning to the gate.
Along two walls there are many pieces of broken tiles and terra-cotta. Two walls are, therefore, said to be vestiges of a house in front of the towers or a corridor used for placing statues.
The excavation showed Duong Long towers are a cluster of three towers with other architectural works involved, creating a unique complex. Results play an important role for the upcoming restoration.
Unique features recognized
Architectural style of Mam or Binh Dinh tower ages within the 11th – 14th centuries, according to Champa architectural style formed by Ph.Stern.
French scholars only based on relics collected at Mam and Canh Tien towers to form the style. Two archaeological excavations of Duong Long towers in 2006-07 unearthed many valuable vestiges, contributing to the research of Binh Dinh style under Champa art.
"Collected items like round statues, relievos of Laskmi, Uma, Shiva, and Makara prove sculptors' perfect skills and religious philosophy," said Dr. Bui Chi Hoang.
Compared with sculptural pieces like Makara status in Mam tower, those in Duong Long towers had a similar overall layout but different design and details. The statues of Naga snakes, for example, had round figures covered with scales; meanwhile, Angkor temple's Naga snakes had sharp and flat heads and smooth figures, Hoang added. Naga snakes in Duong Long towers are, thus, similar to the figure of the dragon in Dai Viet (Great Viet) culture, which is due to historical events in that period.
"Findings of two excavations provide the newest evidences for researchers. They prove Duong Long towers have factors of not only Khmer but Champa culture. It is necessary to have further research to clear the indigenous features of Duong Long and other towers in Binh Dinh. This is also an important condition for the UNESCO's acknowledgement for Binh Dinh's Champa towers as a world cultural heritage in the future," said Dr. Le Dinh Phung.
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