Thai Nguyen proposed to recognize the Nguom Stone Roof archaeological site as a special National Monument

The Nguom stone roof archaeological site in Kim Son hamlet, Than Sa commune, Vo Nhai district, Thai Nguyen province has a frog-shaped shape, about 30m higher than the surface of a residential road and about 40m higher than the water level of the Than Sa river. The surface area of ​​the stone roof with traces of cultural strata is nearly 1,000 square meters. Previously, the Nguom stone roof was excavated four times, in the years: 1981, 1982, 1985, 2017.

In early 2024, the Institute of Archeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) continues to organize the 5th excavation at the Nguom Stone Roof Site. The excavation was carried out on an area of ​​6 square meters. Through initial assessment by experts and scientific analysis of stratigraphy, the age of the artifacts obtained ranges from 60,000 years to about 120,000 years ago.

According to the assessment of the Institute of Archeology: This is the only type of cave/rock roof relic that has discovered evidence of the earliest stone tool use and manufacture throughout the territory of Vietnam.

At Nguom Stone Roof, animal and mollusk remains were discovered, showing changes and diversity in exploitation and use behavior over time. Along with the documented use of fire to cook food, ground bone tools, used in early cultural layers, suggest that these were also ground bone tools associated with industrial use. The earliest dated bone tools were recorded in caves and rock shelters throughout Vietnam.

This is also the first relic of the Paleolithic era in Vietnam to record such unique stone-making methods and techniques.

Faced with the above archaeological results, recently Mr. Trinh Viet Hung, Chairman of Thai Nguyen Provincial People’s Committee, requested the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Thai Nguyen Provincial Museum to coordinate closely with specialized agencies in China. Vo Nhai District Central Committee and People’s Committee continue to consult and advise scientists to prepare a dossier to request recognition as a special National Monument; coordinate with scientists around the world to continue research and propose recognition of the Nguom Stone Roof Relic as a World Heritage Site; Proposing to add the overall planning of the Relic Area to the general planning of Vo Nhai district, ensuring the appropriate planning area, without affecting the core area or buffer zone of the Relic Area; At the same time, pay attention to preserving Than Sa cultural space, promoting the value of the Monument to attract a large number of domestic and international tourists.

It is known that in 1982, Nguom Stone Roof Archaeological Site was ranked as a National Monument.