Within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnam National Museum of History and Dak Lak Museum, the two museums have coordinated to research and conduct archaeological excavations at Thac Hai relic (Hamlet 6, Ia Jloi commune, Ea Sup district, Dak Lak province), period 2021 - 2023. In addition, the preservation and restoration of archaeological objetcs after excavations for the purpose of propaganda, education and exhibition is also an important content of this agreement.
On the afternoon of August 15, 2022, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) held the scientific seminar "Preservation and Restoration of archaeological objects”.
Attending the seminar were Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan - Vice Chairwoman of the Scientific Council of VNMH, Mr. Tran Quang Nam - Deputy Director of Dak Lak Museum and specialized departments’ officers of the two museums.
Panoramic photograph of the seminar
Opening the seminar, Dr. Truong Dac Chien (Officer of Department of Archaeology -VNMH, Excavation team leader) reported preliminary results of the 2nd excavation of Thac Hai site (2021-2022). Excavation results have shown that Thac Hai is a multifunctional site. The site functioned as a settlement and cemetary, as well as a large-scale drill workshop dated back to more than 3,000 years ago. During the second excavation, glass beads were discovered in a considerable amount, including broken beads, glass fragments and especially the quartz - a form of silica used to make glass materials. This discovery is reflected the manufacturing process of glass in Thac Hai more than 2,000 years ago. The excavation results at Thac Hai have marked the successful cooperation between the two museums and opening up more opportunities for research projects in the coming years.
Dr. Truong Dac Chien reporting preliminary results of the 2nd excavation of Thac Hai site (2021-2022)
The keynote presentations were "Preservation of ceramic objects" by Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong Thom (Head of Preservation Department, VNMH) and "Research and restoration of pottery and porcelain objects" by Painter Chu Van Ve (Restoration specialist, VNMH).
The presentations mentioned the methods of preserving and restoring objetcs during the excavation process as well as promoting the value of objetcs after excavation. Based on historical, cultural, and religious factors as well as the material and condition of each type of objetcs, there will be different preservation and restoration methods. Therefore, preservationists need to meet the requirements of professional knowledge and meticulousness to preserve objects effectively. Many questions about the excavation and restoration of archaeological objects were also raised for discussion.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong Thom presenting at the seminar
At the seminar, Mr. Tran Quang Nam expressed his sincere thanks to the Management Board of VNMH for organizing a very useful scientific seminar for the professional staffs of Dak Lak Museum. At the same time, he also expressed his desire to cooperate with VNMH in preserving and restoring archaeological objects at Dak Lak Museum.
giving speech at the seminar
Mr. Tran Quang Nam - Deputy Director of Dak Lak Museum
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan agreed with the proposal of Dak Lak Museum and assigned the Archaeology Department and Preservation Department to plan the specific cooperation program between the two sides.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan - Vice Chairwoman of the Scientific Council of VNMH giving speech at the seminar
In addition, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan also emphasized that this is not only a scientific seminar for the preservation work but also for other relevant specialized activities of museums. It’s an opportunity for staffs of the two museums to exchange and improve their knowledge as well as skills on object presevation, contributing to the promotion of historical and cultural values.
EN: Thu Hien