(VOVWORLD) - Cham royal heritage in Tinh My hamlet, Lam Dong province, includes artifacts of 17th century King Po Klong Mo Nai. This is the only relatively complete collection preserved for more than 400 years by the descendants of the Cham royal lineage. Lam Dong province is making efforts to complete exhibition spaces for better preservation of the artifacts and promotion of Cham cultural values.
 The crown of King Po Klong Mo Nai (Photo: Doan Si/ VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
The Cham royal cultural heritage collection in Tinh My hamlet contains more than 100 original artifacts preserved by royal descendant Nguyen Thi Them. Lu Quoc Thien, another descendant of the Cham royal family, said: “We have divided the artifacts into eight categories. The most special group includes the gold crowns of King Po Klong Mo Nai and his queen, which they wore in rituals.”
The other groups contain weapons, musical instruments, ritual objects, brocade fabrics and fabrics of foreign origin, ceramics, paper, and wood, with descriptions of their craftsmanship, function, and historical value.
Thien explained: “The costumes of the royal family during the reign of King Po Klong Mo Nai reflect cultural exchanges between the Cham and other ethnic groups. Royal edicts issued by King Minh Mang, King Thieu Tri and other kings of the Nguyen dynasty recognize King Po Klong Mo Nai’s contributions to improving people’s livelihoods."
 Hair bun cover of the Queen (Photo: Doan Si/ VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
In 2023 and 2024, the Lam Dong Provincial Museum (formerly the Binh Thuan Museum), worked with the owners to identify and inventory artifacts for preservation and display. In July 2024, the museum officially opened the exhibition and linked it with local Cham cultural tourism routes.
Nguyen Thi Tham, former Director of the Southern Women’s Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, said: “The collection has been preserved for quite a long time. That’s a highly commendable achievement.”
 Vo Thanh Huy, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, oversees the display of the Cham royal heritage. (Photo: Doan Si/ VOV-Ho Chi Minh City) |
Visitors can scan QR codes to get detailed information about the items, said Lu Thai Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Museum. “The owners agreed to coordinate with Phan Thiet University to digitize information about 20 outstanding artifacts in 2026.”
Vo Thanh Huy, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the province will invest in exhibition spaces that meet preservation standards to promote Cham heritage to the public. “We are working with the owners to display the collection at the Po Klong Mo Nai temple. By doing so, we can better preserve and promote its values.”
The Cham royal heritage exhibition is helping to preserve and promote Cham traditions and culture while supporting local livelihoods.