What happened?
Seventy ancient Buddha images were discovered at Vat Meuang Kang temple in Laos’ Champasak district, according to the Vientiane Times. The rare find occurred on Monday as workers renovating the temple’s manuscript repository unearthed a buried jar at a depth of approximately 45 centimeters.
Why it matters
This discovery adds to a growing list of remarkable archaeological finds across Laos in recent years. In 2024 alone, hundreds of ancient Buddha statues were discovered in Bokeo and Xiengkhouang provinces. Many of those are believed to be linked to the ancient city of Souvanna Khomkham, dating back 400–500 years.
Key Details
- The artifacts include 69 silver statues and one gold statue.
- Statues measure between 10–18 cm tall, with lap widths of 3–5 cm.
- They depict two traditional postures: pang samathi (meditation) and pang chana man (victory over Mara).
- Experts believe they date to the 17th or 18th centuries, based on style and comparisons to prior finds.
What officials said
Mr. Khamchan Xaimoungkhoun, Head of the Vat Phou Champasak World Heritage Division, confirmed the discovery and dispatched a team to retrieve the artifacts. They are currently being cleaned, documented, and preserved.
Historical Significance
The Champasak region is also home to the Vat Phou temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Khmer architecture from the 10th to 14th centuries. The discovery further strengthens Champasak’s role as a hub of spiritual and cultural heritage in Laos.
What’s next?
Authorities are working with monks and local officials to decide on a permanent home for the statues. Further research may yield more insights into the origins of the figures and their ties to ancient Lao civilization.
(with inputs from Vientiane Times and Lao National Radio)
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