Rock relics found at Thẳm Un 2 cave. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Nearly 200 archaeological relics, mainly stone, bone, and pottery, allegedly dating back about 8,000-10,000 years, have been found in the caves of Nam Lù, Thẳm Pán, and Thẳm Un 2 in the northern mountainous province of Bắc Kạn.

The relics were found during excavations conducted by an archaeological team from the Việt Nam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and the Bắc Kạn provincial museum.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Trình Năng Chung from VASS, traces of prehistoric people are found across the caves' areas.

Archaeological relics are mixed with mollusc shells and animal teeth and bones. Pottery was found in the upper layer. In the hole they dug, archaeologists also discovered traces of two ancient kitchens, but no traces of burial.

The archaeological team at Thẳm Un 2 cave. — VNA/VNS Photo

The team discovered an oval flat piece of rock drilled at the small end of the piece and believed that this might be jewellery, which is quite rare among prehistoric relics in Việt Nam.

The presence of many stones, raw pebbles, stones with burrs, and scraps, proves that the tool processing was carried out on-site.

Chung said the researchers initially assumed that Thẳm Un 2 cave was a residence of many generations of prehistoric people. The early inhabitants belonged to the Early Neolithic period, dating from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.

It is believed that for several decades, the site was uninhabited. About 3,000 to 2,500 years ago, inhabitants of the Metal Age came to live here for a short time, leaving their traces through ceramic relics.

Thẳm Un 2 relic contains high values in terms of history, culture, and science, Chung said.

Agencies are planning to continue excavating Nậm Lù Cave and Thẳm Pán Cave soon. — VNS