(VOVWORLD) - The Prime Minister has officially recognized the Dak Son Lithophone as a national treasure, as part of the efforts to preserve cultural heritages of Lam Dong province. Activities have been carried out to safeguard and promote this musical instrument.
 The leaders of Lam Dong province receive the Prime Minister's decision recognizing the Dak Son Lithophone as a national treasure. (photo: VOV) |
The Dak Son lithophone, which dates back at least 3,000 years, represents the spiritual and cultural life of local people and has great historical and cultural significance for the Central Highlands.
The Dak Son lithophone was discovered in 2014 in Dak Sak commune, Lam Dong province. It consists of 16 stone bars, of which 11 are still intact and 5 nearly intact. The instrument, on display at the Lam Dong Museum, evidence of the skill, aesthetic sensibility, and spirituality of prehistoric Central Highlands communities.
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Van Liem, Vice President of the Vietnam Archaeological Association and member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, said: “The national treasure Dak Son lithophone is one of the most extraordinary artifacts of Lam Dong. It is remarkably perfect, from the careful selection of materials to the sophisticated crafting technique, which shows surprising skill in chiseling and carving. Lam Dong province should find more effective ways to promote the cultural and historical value of this national treasure and other artifacts at the museum.”
 Dak Son Lithophone displayed at Lam Dong Museum (photo: VOV) |
Lam Dong has organized festivals to showcase ancient folk instruments, where artists can experiment while combining the lithophone with gongs, the t’rung bamboo xylophone, and more modern musical instruments.
Dinh Van Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong provincial People’s Committee, said: “It’s important to organize thematic exhibitions, and rotate the display of artifacts, national treasures, and other of Lam Dong’s cultural heritages. The province is working with other localities, tourism associations, and travel agencies to design heritage-themed tours to introduce these heritages to visitors.”
Along with gongs, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, the Dak Son lithophone adds a unique sound to the cultural identity of the Central Highlands, opening opportunities to boost culture tourism.