Bảo tàng lịch sử Quốc gia

1. During the realization of the project of construction of the road Kim Lien – O Cho Dua, the People Committee of Hanoi has proposed to the Institute of Archaeology and to the Service of Culture and Information of Hanoi to carry out urgently the exploration and the archaeological excavation of the place containing the vestiges of the altar Xa Tac, near the cross-road Cho Dua, belonging to phuong de Nam Dong, quan de Dong Da in order to gather precious historical data and in the same time not hinder the work of construction. It is a just and timely decision, reflecting the respect of the Law on Cutural Patrimony.

Thank to this decision, the archaeologists can study and have new knowledges on a vestige which annals and the tradition have reported.

2. Through the exploration, the excavation and the study of the documents, the archaeologists can determine the traces of the natural layers from the beginning of history till now, which are so far buried in the earth. In particular, by careful analysis of earth layers, the archaeologists have identified the architectural layers relative to the altar Xa Tac, following each other from the time of Ly to the time of Le, with traces of floor and foundations, strengthened by packed materials, usual technics in traditional architecture. In the excavated pit, there are three floors paved with square big bricks, dated from the Ly and Le. Besides, one discovers traces of a road with its pavement, which is probably what remains from the road relative to the altar Xa Tac and the ceremonies taking place here.

2.1. All we know that the altar Xa Tac and the altar Nam Giao are important altars for the vietnamese feudality of the Middle Age. But after a long existence, it remains from the altar Xa Tac only the memory of the population and the name Xa Dan, quarter belonging to the quan of Dong Da.

2.2. The results of the excavation, though moderate, are extremely precious in the present time. The new documents such as earth layers, the plan of the site and the vestiges permit to affirm that the place is actually the ancient altar Xa Tac of Thang Long. The objects found in the excavation pit are the proofs of the presence of the altar.

Unfortunately, because of the development of the town, the area of study and excavation is very limited and does not permit to determine the extent of the site, the aspect and the dimensions of the ancient altar.

3. For the time being, the study and the excavation are essentially accomplished. The next step consists to preserve and to profit of the value of the site while not hindering the work of construction of the road. It is an important problem, requiring the deliberation between the researchers and the directors of the construction.

3.1. We have been informed that the archaeologists of the Museum of History of Vietnam have had propositions stated in the report, insisting on the great value of the site and asking for the continuation of the study and the excavation. The propositions have also asked for the changing of the project, permitting the construction of a place of preservation of the site of Xa Tac under the form of an islet surrounded by roads of communication. However, we think that the reconstruction of an altar of Xa Tac of the 21^st century in the middle of a cultural and historical park is to be deliberated. Speaking of dan (altar), we think of a small hill and of auxiliary constructions, responding to requirements of geomancy, of landscape, of infrastructure, whilst the available space is too small, and has been completely changed by works of restoration through many times. The actual site containing the vestiges of the altar is too low compared to the neighbourhood. Thus, the brilliant idea of the archaeologists aiming at restoring the vestige is very difficult to realize at the present time. We think that an altar Xa Tac of the 21^st century in a cultural historical park will need at least an area of several hectares, which is nearly impossible in the quarter Cho Dua of the quan of Dong Da, Hanoi.

3.2. We think that the preservation and exploitation of the site is necessary. But the preservation must always accompany the development. That is why, as a bureau of study, we bring forward some following considerations to the bureau of managing and study of the question:

- When the vestiges have been discovered in the pit and registered in documents by descriptions, images, tables…, one must strive to treat the groups of vestiges as have been treated the groups of tumbs under the chinese domination… to exhibit them afterwards at the Museum of Hanoi, the vestiges will be recovered with sand, with panels carrying informations, indications or symbols to note the presence of the site of Xa Tac.

- When the construction of the road will end, it can carry the name of the site, as a means of raising the value of the site.

These are some of our considerations proposed to the managers and the specialists of the Institute of Archaeology and the Service of culture and Information of Hanoi for them to deduce from there a rational solution.

Vu Quoc Hien