In the Vietnamese province of An Giang, archaeologists have uncovered votive artifacts linked to the Cham people, an ancient Austronesian group whose origins remain a mystery. This discovery took place in the An Phu area, known for its Cham community, whose ancestors once inhabited central Vietnam and coastal Cambodia, writes Heritage Daily.
The Chams established a powerful state known as Champa, a collection of Hindu-Buddhist principalities that emerged in the 2nd century CE. Over the centuries, Champa faced increasing pressure from the expanding Khmer Empire and Vietnamese incursions.
During the excavations, a structure named "Sacred Pit" was discovered, identified as part of a Cham temple tower. This ancient edifice features circular brickwork arranged in a swastika pattern—a symbol traditionally associated with good fortune in Buddhist culture. Experts date the temple to the 9th or 10th century, highlighting its historical significance as a rare example of Cham architecture.
Central to the discovery were the votive offerings made during the temple's construction. Among them was a gold item inscribed with a Buddhist teaching known as "Pratītyasamutpāda," which refers to dependent origination.
Additionally, researchers found a vase in the style of a kamandalu, resting on a golden flower with eight petals, as well as a collection of glass and gemstone artifacts. Together, these findings illuminate the spiritual practices and artistic craftsmanship of the Chams.
These excavations not only reveal the artistic and religious traditions of the Cham people but also underscore the importance of preserving such heritage for a better understanding of the cultural history of Southeast Asia.
We also reported on the ceremonial mask of a shamaness. Recently, scientists recreated her headdress.