A collection of Buddha images, semiprecious stones, rings and other artefacts found during recent excavations in Bokeo province.   --Photo Laophattana newspaper

Excavations in Bokeo yield another exciting discovery

Bokeo authorities last week made an astonishing discovery when they opened up a container that was unearthed during excavations on Done Pheungkham island in the Mekong River, in Tonpheung district.
Deputy Head of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department in Bokeo province, Mr Somsack Mahaphon, told the Vientiane Times on Friday that upon opening up the centuries-old container, which was found buried in sand, officials were amazed to find gemstones, a collection of small Buddha images made from gold, silver and bronze, and items of gold and silver jewellery.
All of the artefacts have been taken to Thongthip Phatthanaram temple in Yaitonpheung village for safekeeping, where they are being closely guarded alongside the many Buddha images found during earlier excavations, Mr Somsack said.
Information about the number and age of all the artefacts will be provided by authorities in the near future, he added.
The excavations, which began in March, have now been brought to a halt after the level of the Mekong rose and flooded the site.
The provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department was unable to say when the search for artefacts might resume, but noted that 284 Buddha images of various sizes have been discovered at Done Phuengkham island, and have all been catalogued.
The largest of the Buddha images was unearthed in the middle of May, measuring 2.67 metres in height and 2.24 metres in width.

By Siladda Souliyong
 (Latest Update June 3, 2024)