Madeleine Colani (1866 - 1943) was a French archaeologist who devoted her whole life for scientific research of Vietnamese prehistory. She is well known for discovering and identifying the Hoa Binh culture, one of the most famous archaeological cultures in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. A huge number of artifacts that she discovered during her excavations were brought to the Louis Finot Museum, now the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH).
In order to provide scientific information and improve the knowledge of the museum's officers about collections being kept at the Museum; and at the same time, in celebration of Vietnam Science and Technology Day (May 18th 2023), on the morning of May 12th, 2023, the thematic discussion: "Madeleine Colani - Doyenne of Southeast Asian Prehistory" was organized by the Science Council of the VNMH
Panorama of the thematic discussion
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan - Deputy Director of VNMH giving a speech
Participants of the thematic discussion included: Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan - Deputy Director of VNMH, Vice Chairman of Science Council; Dr. Lia Genovese - Lecturer in Southeast Asian Art History and Archeology at Thammasat and Silpakon Universities (Thailand), and at SOAS University of London; Dr. Nguyen Viet - Director of the Center for Southeast Asian Prehistory; Dr. Vu The Long - Institute of Archeology and specialized departments’ officers of VNMH
Dr. Lia Genovese presenting at the thematic discussion
Dr. Nguyen Viet presenting at the thematic discussion
The topics covered during the discussion include:
- Introducing the collections and documents of Madeleine Colani currently kept at the VNMH;
- Madeleine Colani - Early years, Family life and Gender considerations (in scientific research);
- Madeleine Colani - Hoa Binh reseach;
- Madeleine Colani - Plain of Jars research (Laos);
- Madeleine Colani: Honoring the great contributions of Madeleine Colani.
Discussing some stone samples in the Plain of Jars (Xieng Khouang province, Laos)
At the discussion, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoan highly appreciated the presented topics and emphasized that it is a useful scientific activity for all officers of the Museum. The discussion not only provided valuable information related to the museum's collection, but also suggested a new approach in museum's professional activities in order to promote the value of documents and artifacts of Madeleine Colani in particular as well as other documents and artifacts of the Museum in general.
EN: Thu Hien