For Associate Professor Dr Nguyễn Lân Cường, archaeology was never merely about digging up relics or studying dry bones — it was a journey toward life, where every remain told a story, carried a soul and deserved to be understood, honoured and restored. — Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Lân Cường’s family.

HÀ NỘI — Associate Professor, Doctor and composer Nguyễn Lân Cường, a leading expert in paleoanthropology in Việt Nam, passed away on May 6, 2025, at the Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital (under the Hà Nội National University), after a long battle with stomach cancer. He was 85.

Nguyễn Lân Cường at the excavation site of Vườn Chuối. — Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Lân Cường’s family.

Born in 1941 in Phùng Chí Kiên Commune, Mỹ Hào Town, Hưng Yên Province, Dr Nguyễn Lân Cường was the fourth son of the esteemed People’s Teacher Nguyễn Lân. With over five decades of dedication to anthropology and archaeology, he held the position of General Secretary of the Việt Nam Archaeology Association, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the field nationally.

As one of the country’s foremost experts in paleoanthropology, his name is indelibly linked with major national projects, including the excavation of the Vườn Chuối site in Hà Nội and the restoration and conservation of the mummified statues of Zen masters at Đậu Pagoda, Tiêu Sơn Pagoda and Phật Tích Pagoda.

The Việt Nam Records Organisation conferred upon him the national record for having studied the largest number of ancient human remains in the country — 1,093 individuals.

Nguyễn Lân Cường (center) and colleagues restoring the original statue of Zen Master Vũ Khắc Minh at Đậu Pagoda in former Hà Tây Province (now part of Hà Nội). — Photo courtesy of Nguyễn Lân Cường’s family.

Beyond his academic and scientific achievements, Dr Nguyễn Lân Cường was also a gifted musician. He served for many years as Vice President of the Hà Nội Musicians’ Association and conducted the Hà Nội Harmony Choir in numerous cultural events. After long days trekking through remote areas for archaeological research, he would return to Hà Nội, don a tuxedo, pick up the baton and immerse himself in the harmony of choral music — moments he often described as times when he felt truly himself.

Dr Cường leaves behind a remarkable legacy of scholarly contributions, including textbooks, scientific publications in archaeology and musical compositions. He composed more than 70 musical works, many of which were choral pieces or songs written for children.

The book Nhật Ký Trên Khóa Sol (Diary on the Treble Clef), a reflection of Nguyễn Lân Cường’s musical soul, was published in 2021. — Photo thethaovanhoa.vn

Among his earliest and most well-known compositions are Tiếng Hát Bản Mường (The Song of Mường Village) and the choral piece Tiếng Ca Trên Bè Gỗ (Melody on the Raft), both of which won awards in student competitions in Hà Nội. His music about soldiers and patriotism includes notable works such as Vị Tướng Của Lòng Dân (The People’s General), Bài Ca Về Những Người Lính Đảo (Ode to the Island Soldiers), Sau Khi Tuyên Thệ (After the Oath) and Cảm Xúc Hoàng Thành (Emotions of the Imperial Citadel).

In the realm of children’s music, he was beloved for his playful and educational songs, including Con Búp Bê Của Em (My Doll), Đèn Đỏ Thì Dừng, Đèn Xanh Mới Đi (Stop at Red, Go at Green), Con Thích Làm Nghề Gì? (What Do You Want to Be?), and Chúng Em Mừng Điện Biên 60 Mùa Hoa (We Celebrate 60 Springs of Điện Biên).

In addition to his contributions to archaeology and music, Dr Cường was also a talented painter. He began painting with oil in 1962. One of his most cherished works was the illustrated book Bộ Xương Nói Với Bạn Điều Gì? (What Can a Skeleton Tell You?), which features 320 anatomical illustrations drawn entirely by himself.

The visitation, memorial and funeral ceremonies will take place on May 8, at the Ministry of National Defence Funeral Home, No 5 Trần Thánh Tông Street, Hà Nội. Cremation will be held at the Hoàn Vũ Cremation Centre in Văn Điển, and he will be laid to rest in his hometown of Phùng Chí Kiên Commune, Mỹ Hào Town, Hưng Yên Province.

The passing of Associate Professor Nguyễn Lân Cường is a profound loss to Việt Nam’s academic and cultural communities. His life, marked by tireless dedication to science, music and art, leaves an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. — VNS