A discovery made during renovation works at a temple in Thailand has opened new chapters of history for archaeologists. Gold, silver, and bronze artifacts were stored for over a thousand years under a Buddha statue.
Buddha statue. Photo: Appaji/CC BY 2.0
During the repair of the drainage system in one of Thailand’s temples, workers unexpectedly discovered a treasure about 1300 years old beneath an ancient Buddha statue. Archaeologists found dozens of gold, silver, and bronze artifacts which, according to preliminary estimates, belong to the Dvaravati period.
This was reported by the publication Daily Galaxy.
The artifacts were found during conservation works at the Wat Thammachak Semaram temple complex, which houses the Phra Non archaeological site – one of the oldest and longest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand. The sandstone sculpture, approximately 12 meters long, is dated by researchers to around 657 AD.
While installing the drainage system, workers dug more than a meter deep and unearthed a ceramic vessel. Inside, 33 items made of gold, silver, and bronze were stored. Among the finds were gold rings, silver earrings, and bronze ring-shaped earrings.
The Department of Fine Arts noted that the bronze ornaments, in their characteristics, correspond to Dvaravati period artifacts previously found in other parts of Thailand. Following the initial discovery, archaeologists expanded excavations around the statue and uncovered three more groups of ancient objects.
Treasure. Photo: Department of Fine Arts of Thailand.
One of the most valuable artifacts was a rectangular gold sheet with a relief image of the Buddha sitting in the preaching pose. The item is made using the repoussé technique. It depicts the Buddha with spiral curls, a large halo, elongated earlobes, and a robe covering one shoulder. There is a small hole in the upper right corner of the gold sheet. According to the Director-General of the Department of Fine Arts, Phanombut Chandrapaha, this may indicate that the artifact was hung or used as a decorative element.
Gold relief plaque with an image of the Buddha. Photo: Department of Fine Arts of Thailand.
Additionally, researchers found another decorative metal sheet made from a lead-tin alloy. It depicts the Buddha standing within an arched frame, with two human figures nearby. One of the figures is poorly preserved, while the other, according to archaeologists, may be a Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma.
Another significant find involved folded metal sheets hidden in compacted clay between layers of cement. Due to their damaged condition, specialists cannot yet determine the exact number of artifacts or fully identify the images depicted on them. Archaeologists were particularly intrigued that these items were located behind the Buddha statue’s head.
As explained by Phanombut Chandrapaha, this placement might suggest that the artifacts were left as ritual offerings during the construction or use of the sanctuary, in accordance with the religious traditions of that era.
Currently, all discovered items have been transferred to the Phimai National Museum. There, they are being studied, documented, cataloged, and conservation efforts are underway for the fragile historical artifacts.
In related news, archaeologists discovered a stone road on the seabed of the Adriatic Sea, used by people almost 7,000 years ago. It led researchers to new details about a submerged Neolithic settlement near the island of Korčula.
Comments Sort: New Old Popular Submit