Lithophone - a thousand-year-old treasure

The first ancient lithophone set of Vietnam known to researchers is the Nduk Lieng Krak set, discovered in 1949 in Dak Lak , consisting of 11 bars, dating back about 3,000 years, currently on display at the Museum of Man in Paris (France).

The second set of lithophones was taken by an American soldier in the Central Highlands in 1956 and brought back to New York (USA). Since then, archaeologists have discovered many more sets of lithophones in the Central Highlands and South Central regions. Of these, Lam Dong province alone has discovered 12 sets of lithophones, accounting for two-thirds of the number of ancient lithophones ever discovered in the country.

With its special historical and cultural values, the lithophone is considered a thousand-year-old treasure, vividly reflecting the rich spiritual life and talented hands of humans in the early history. On September 12, the People's Committee of Lam Dong province held a ceremony to announce the Prime Minister 's Decision to recognize the Dak Son lithophone as a national treasure. The recognition of the Dak Son lithophone as a national treasure has great significance for the preservation and promotion of the value of lithophones, a unique ancient cultural artifact in Lam Dong.

People's Army Newspaper introduces images of some ancient lithophones in Lam Dong:

Dak Son lithophone, discovered in 2014 in Nam Xuan commune, Krong No district, former Dak Nong province, now Dak Sak commune, Lam Dong province, consisting of 16 bars, was recognized as a National Treasure, currently on display at Lam Dong Provincial Museum.

B'Lao lithophone, discovered in 1979 in Bu Do commune, Loc Bac commune, Bao Lam district, old Lam Dong province, now Bao Lam 5 commune, Lam Dong province, consists of 6 bars, 3 bars have been lost, currently stored at the Vietnam Institute of Musicology.

The lithophone was collected by collector Nguyen Ngoc An in 2016 in Gia Bac commune, Di Linh district, old Lam Dong province, now Son Dien commune, Lam Dong province, including 20 pieces, currently on display at Mui Ne Antiquities Museum, Lam Dong province.

Dinh Lac lithophone, discovered in 1997 in Dinh Lac commune, Di Linh district, old Lam Dong province, now Bao Thuan commune, Lam Dong province, consisting of 12 bars, currently on display at Lam Dong Provincial Museum.

Son Dien lithophone, discovered in 2003 in Son Dien commune, Di Linh district, old Lam Dong province, now Son Dien commune, Lam Dong province, consisting of 19 pieces, currently on display at Lam Dong Provincial Museum.