Hundreds of archaeological relics, mainly stone, bone, and pottery, allegedly dating back about 8000 - 10,000 years ago have been found at caves in the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Nearly 200 archaeological relics, mainly stone, bone, andpottery, allegedly dating back about 8000 - 10,000 years ago have been found atcaves of Nam Lu, Tham Pan, and Tham Un 2 in the northern mountainousprovince of Bac Kan during excavations conducted by an archaeological team fromthe Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Bac Kan provincial museum.
Accordingto Associate Professor, Dr. Trinh Nang Chung from VASS, traces of prehistoricpeople are found across the caves' areas. Archaeological relics are mixed with molluskshells and animal teeth and bones. Pottery was found in the upper layer. In the hole they dug, archaeologists also discovered traces of two ancient kitchens, but notraces of burial.
The team discovered an oval flat piece of rock drilled at the smallend of the piece and believed thatthis may be jewelry quite rare in prehistoric relics in Vietnam. The presenceof many stones, raw pebbles, stones with burrs, and scraps, proves that thetool processing was carried out on-site.
AssociateProfessor, Dr. Trinh Nang Chung said the researchers initially assumed that Tham Un 2 cave is a residenceof many generations of prehistoric people. The early inhabitants belonged tothe Early Neolithic period, dating from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.
It isbelieved that for several decades, the site wasuninhabited. Besides, about 3,000 to 2,500 years ago, inhabitants of theMetal Age came to live here for a short time, leaving their traces throughceramic relics.
Tham Un2 relic contains high values in terms of history, culture, and science, Chungsaid.
Relevant agencies are planning to continue excavating Nam Lu cave and Tham Pan cave soon./.
