Announcing the National Treasure Avalokitesvara Statue of Bac Binh

2 (4) — Presenting the Prime Minister 's Decision recognizing the Avalokitesvara Statue as a national treasure

Attending the event were Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien - Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism); Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuan - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Mr. Dinh Van Tuan - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; leaders of the Provincial People's Council, People's Committee, Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee; leaders of departments, agencies, unions and a large number of people and tourists.

2 (2) — Delegates attending the ceremony

The Avalokitesvara statue is a Cham cultural artifact crafted from fine-grained, dark gray sandstone, 61cm high, weighing 13kg, dating from the 8th - 9th century.

The statue was accidentally discovered by local people while farming in Thanh Khiet village, Hong Thai commune, Lam Dong province (Phan Thanh commune, Bac Binh district, Binh Thuan province before 1945) along with 4 other stone statues (which were lost). In 1996, the Avalokitesvara statue was buried in the garden by local people; in 2001, a local resident in Hong Chinh village, Hong Thai commune, Lam Dong province discovered it while digging the foundation to build a gate pillar and handed it over to the Binh Thuan Provincial Museum (formerly) for preservation and display until now.

1 (3) — A large number of students from schools attended the ceremony.

The Avalokitesvara statue bears all the characteristics of Champa sculpture and is one of the typical representatives of the strong cultural exchange and acculturation process of exogenous cultural elements; specifically, Indian culture has deeply influenced Champa culture. With its own uniqueness, the statue is a valuable historical document for the study of the art and religious history of Champa culture in the transition period from the plastic art style (VIII century) to the peak development period with the Tra Kieu and Dong Duong art style (XI-XI century).

7 (2) — Admire the national treasure Avalokitesvara Statue

The statue has Buddhist elements, besides Hinduism which is considered the main religion in Champa culture, which shows the exchange relationship between India and Southeast Asian countries, including the South Central region of Vietnam from the end of the first millennium AD.

With its historical, cultural and unique value, the Avalokitesvara statue was recognized by the Government as a national treasure in the 13th phase according to Decision 1712/QD-TTg dated December 31, 2024.

4 (2) — Comrade Dinh Van Tuan - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee spoke

Speaking at the ceremony to announce the national treasure Avalokitesvara Statue, comrade Dinh Van Tuan affirmed: With the largest area in the country, Lam Dong province is home to 49 ethnic groups, stretching from the majestic plateau to the coastal plain. The ethnic diversity has created a rich and unique cultural heritage, which is an invaluable asset of the province, including: 7 cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO; 10 national intangible cultural heritages; 3 special national monuments; 144 ranked historical and cultural relics and scenic spots. In particular, Lam Dong Provincial Museum currently preserves and displays 112,235 artifacts, antiques, documents of historical, cultural and artistic value; including 3 national treasures: Dak Son Lithophone, Golden Linga and Bac Binh Avalokitesvara Statue.

To protect and effectively exploit the value of the National Treasure Avalokitesvara Statue of Bac Binh, in the coming time, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism needs to develop a strict protection plan, ensuring absolute safety for the treasure; regularly inspect and preserve artifacts according to regulations. Focus on promoting and introducing the historical, cultural and scientific values of the Avalokitesvara Statue of Bac Binh, raising public awareness and attracting tourists.

3 (1) — Associate Professor, Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien - Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage spoke

Speaking at the ceremony, Associate Professor Dr. Le Thi Thu Hien emphasized the typical and unique historical, cultural and artistic values of the three national treasures of Lam Dong province that have been recognized by the Government, including: Dak Son lithophone, Po Dam golden Linga and Bac Binh Avalokitesvara statue. These are considered important documents on the history and the formation and development of the prehistoric Central Highlands, the South Central region, and the historical and cultural appearance of Champa.

“
Units directly managing and promoting the value of national treasures strictly adhere to the principles of preservation processes and techniques under the guidance of scientists and experts; develop attractive programs and content, diverse forms, easy to disseminate and access to promote the value of national treasures to the general public.
Director of the Department of Cultural Heritage Le Thi Thu Hien

6 (4) — Delegates visit exhibition spaces at Lam Dong Museum

On this occasion, Lam Dong Museum opened the Cultural, Music and Cuisine Space of Ethnic Groups; displayed exhibits and images; introduced books imbued with national identity. This is one of 8 activities in the Lam Dong Tourism Destination Experience Month 2025, lasting until October 5.

Some pictures of the rich activities taking place after the national treasure announcement ceremony: