Nam Giao Temple Stele, stone, Thang Long citadel (Hanoi), erected in the the 4th year of Vinh Tri reign, Le Hy Tong dynasty (1679AD).
Nam Giao Temple Stele, stone, Thang Long citadel (Hanoi), erected in the the 4th year of Vinh Tri reign, Le Hy Tong dynasty (1679AD).
Nam Giao Temple stele is a precious artefact from the Restored Le dynasty which is still in existence. The stele’s upper part is in a semi-circle shape which is decorated with motifs of two dragons contemplating the sun. The decorative patterns along the edges include dragon and mythical animal motifs. The body is inscribed with Chinese characters which record the construction of the Nam Giao Temple where the King came to perform the great annual rituals to heaven and earth at the Lunar New Year. This stele is evidence of the Ly dynasty's annual rituals to heaven and earth which continued and developed in following periods.