Red River – the mother river carrying heavy sediment over millions of years cultivated Red River Delta. It is not only the cradle of the first civilization: Dong Son civilization, but it also a place to gather, crystallize and shine and Dai Viet - Vietnam civilization throughout history people.
Water forming the Red River civilization's beginning was cultural line which was born and grown in the fertile soil of the Red River Delta, Dong Son culture, on the basis of the metallurgical revolution which casting technology reached peak time, along with the primitive Van Lang - Au Lac state.
Red River civilization is native civilization, has a strong vitality, stable development from Dong Son to Dai Viet, Vietnam. At the same time, it has always been innovated, reinvigorated to create constant to form cultural identity of Vietnam, as foundation and launching pad for the take-off of the nation, assertd position of Vietnam in the world.
To celebrate National Tourism Red River Delta - Hai Phong in 2013, to help visitors have more knowledge of achievement of the Red River civilization in two developing phases: Dong Son Culture and Dai Viet nation, Hai Phong Museum collaborated with Vietnam national Museum of History, Thang Long - Ha Noi heritage Conservation Centre, Hai Phong Antiquity society held special exhibition "Red River civilization - Crystallization and shine ". Exhibition will be opened on May, 9th,2013 at Hai Phong Museum, 11 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hong Bang District, Hai Phong City.
Exhibition is expressed by the following main contents:
Dong Son Culture – brilliant ancient Viet civilization
Basket-shaped bronze. Dong Son Culture 2500 - 2000 years ago. Life tool.Vietnam National Museum of History
Like famous ancient civilization in the Orient which was born on the river, in the north of my country, about 2,700 years ago formed the first civilization called Dong Son civilization (Lac Viet civilization). This civilization occured, existed and developed in many different areas such as Red River Delta which is the concentration, crystallization of many cultural element to create the Dong Son pinnacle.
The dagger with human-shaped hilt. Bronze. Dong Son Culture 2500 - 2000 years ago. Weapon. Hai Phong Museum.
In the Dong Son era, ancient Viet residents invented, created revolutionary in making metallurgical technology to develop production, created changes in society that promoted appearance of Van Lang - Au Lac state. It was during this period has created a popular culture that many colors that contributed to the Vietnam cultural identity later.
shield. Bronze. Dong Son Culture 2500 - 2000 years ago. Weapons. Hai Phong Artifact Association
Dai Viet civilizedEra–dragon spirit
1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, the center of the country, then loaned flying dragon symbol named the new capital -Thang Long, open new era in the history of the nation: Dai Viet civilized era. Dai Viet civilization existed in parallel with the process of formation and development of Dai Viet nation, on the basis of inherited Dong Son civilization and absorbed the culture of exogenous factor selectively.
Buddhist stupa model. Earthenware. Dinh – Le dynasty, 10th century. Worship. Hai Phong Museum.
On the basis of an independent feudal state autonomy, the Ly dynasty - Tran - Le have conducted a series of reforms to the Vietnam entered a period of prosperous development, outstanding achievements in all aspects of life living culture, society, confirms the identity of a mature nation, a civilized nation. Red River is the core area of Thang Long - Hanoi to continue its position center, meeting place, crystallize and shine of the Dai Viet civilization.
Lion statue. Brown flower ceramic. Ly dynasty 11-13 century.Vietnam National Museum of History
Red River - Connecting corridor and the door open to the world
Red River civilization indigenous origin, but at the same time it is also the process of aggregation of exchange with other cultures in the region and the world. The direction of the continent, the Red River is natural corridor which interacts with local Asia European through Southwest China, Upper Mien Dien, North India until the Bengal Bay . Direciton to sea, the Red River is the door which open the world through maritime silk route connecting the East with the West.
Jar with peony painted. Blue and white ceramics. Le dynastic, 15th century. Chu Dau ceramic export. Hai Phong Artifact Association.
In the seventeenth century, the Trinh lords permited foreign traders trade inland to Red River and Thai Binh River which became the main trade gateway of Dang Ngoai. It can be said, marine economy has expanded diversely and developed strongly in this stage. Ke Cho (Thang Long), Pho Hien (Hung Yen) and Domea (Hai Phong) are an important link in the system of global maritime trade.
In addition to the main content, the exhibition also introduces some feature about Vietnam betel culture, a beauty of traditional cultural values of Vietnamese residents in every class from the court to folk. Betal culture is the expression of Vietnam style, it also reflects unique affection of nation.
Lime pot with areca straps. Blue and white glazed ceramics. Mac dynasty, the 16th century. Hai Phong antique Association.
Through photos, artifacts and documents selected from the museums, the antiques Association and special exhibitiondi "Red River civilization - crystallinity and shine” introduces and advertise widely to numerous domestic and international public about the unique culture, long-standing, a social which form state earliest in Southeast Asia; Contributes to arouse national pride, creative will of Vietnam generation as well as promotes responsibility to protect, preserve and promote cultural identity of nation.
Betel tray.Silver. Nguyen Dynasty, 19-20 century Vietnam National Museum of History.
Exhibition open to visitors from May to the end of November, 2013
Author: Hà-Hương
Translator: Trang Nhung