According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Dak Son lithophone was accidentally unearthed in 2014 at the depth of 50–90cm while local residents were digging holes to plant pepper in Dak Sak commune, Lam Dong province.
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At the ceremony announcing the Prime Minister’s decision on the recognition of the Dak Son lithophone as a national treasure |
The lithophone consists of 16 stone slabs, including 11 intact slabs and 5 broken ones (in halves or thirds) that can still be reassembled for research on prehistoric stone crafting techniques. The slabs average 57.6cm in length, 12.4cm in width, 3cm in thickness, and 3.94kg in weight, producing sound frequencies ranging from 191.9Hz to 4,500Hz.
The Dak Son lithophone is not only tangible evidence reflecting the rich spiritual and cultural life of local prehistoric communities, but also a collection of exceptional historical and cultural value with indigenous origin, produced locally in the Central Highlands during the prehistoric period.
On this occasion, Lam Dong province also announced the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s decision on the recognition of Cave C3-C4, part of the Krong No volcanic cave system, as a national scenic site. This system is part of the longest volcanic cave complex in Southeast Asia, formed by eruptions of Chu Bluk volcano some 200,000–600,000 years ago, with unique geological structure and high scientific value.
Additionally, the Tam Blang M’prang Bon Festival of the M'nong ethnic group was listed as the national intangible cultural heritage.
Translated by Chung Anh