Stone axes dating back thousands of years were discovered in En Cave in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park. — VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG TRỊ — Five ancient stone axes believed to date back thousands of years have been discovered in Én Cave within the Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park complex in central Việt Nam, according to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quảng Trị Province.

The artefacts were later handed over to the Quảng Trị Museum and the Hà Nội Museum for research, preservation and display, contributing to the promotion of the province’s cultural and historical heritage.

The discovery was made by an expedition team led by Dr Howard Limbert, a British cave expert and member of the Royal British Cave Association, during a survey of Én Cave, one of the world’s largest caves in the Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng National Park.

The axes were found in a sediment layer showing signs of water disturbance, indicating they may belong to an ancient cultural layer, according to local authorities.

Dr Howard Limbert (second from left), a British cave expert and member of the Royal British Cave Association, hands stone axes discovered in Én Cave to the Quảng Trị Provincial Museum.  — VNA/VNS Photo

Initial assessments indicate that the stone axes date back 6,000–8,000 years to the Neolithic period and are associated with the Bàu Tró Culture.

Made from siliceous stone, the tools include sloping-shoulder and broad-shouldered axe types, with wear patterns suggesting prolonged use by early inhabitants.

Experts said the finds provide further evidence of early human activity within the cave systems of Phong Nha–Kẻ Bàng, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site known for its extensive karst formations and archaeological significance.

The discovery adds to a growing body of artefacts uncovered in the region, including metal objects, bronze axe moulds linked to the Đông Sơn Culture, bronze Buddha statues and ancient Cham inscriptions found in caves, highlighting long-term human presence and cultural development in central Việt Nam. — VNA/VNS

The ancient stone axes have been discovered in Én Cave within Phong Nha – Kẻ Bàng National Park complex. — VNA/VNS Photo