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Collector's item: Stone artefacts from Lap's collection (above). Farmer Vu Lap shows off one of his most prized finds. — File Photos | |
BAC GIANG — For nearly 20 years, farmer Vu Lap has collected old artefacts.
Lap, 54, returned from the army after the American War to his home in Doi Lanh Hamlet in the northern province of Bac Giang. He was promoted to become head of the Lien Son Co-operative, and chief of Dong Son Village.
After many years, he stepped down go into business. At first, he traded in bonsai. Then, he found some stone artefacts that looked as though they might have been made by people long ago.
A neighbour had also recovered a rust-eaten steel and bronze dish that had been found by the Thuong River, which he decided to buy. Since that fateful day, Lap began collecting ancient artefacts including knives, limepots, bowls, and axes. As his collection expanded he gained the nickname "Lap do co" (Lap the Antique Collector).
"I has hundreds of artefacts with many kinds of earthenware pots, teapots, bowls, limepots, kettles, cups and bows, and ancient coins," said Lap, adding that he is proud of his contribution in maintaining the cultural value of the various people who settled the area.
"I have now over 100 stone artefacts that have been dated by the Institute of Archaeology, National Cultural Heritage Department and Bac Giang Provincial Museum as being thousands of years old," he said.
" All of these stone artefacts have been fished out from the Thuong River's portion running through Dong Son Village so I was confusing that the land was an important settlement area for ancient Viet people," he added.
Lap said he pays millions of dong for artefacts, but he doesn't indulge in trading. However he's happy to give close friends an artefact. He has also presented dozens of valuable items to Bac Giang Provincial Museum, the Museum of the Second Army Corps, and many others.
"We appreciated Lap's efforts in collecting and preserving these artefacts. They are very useful for scientists and archaeologists," said an official from the provincial museum.
Lap is now a member of Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Association. Many of his artefacts are listed in the book Bac Giang Cultural Heritage – Archaeology, and are highly appreciated for their historical value.
Lap said he plans to open a small private museum featuring artefacts that he has collected and a website at Lapdoco.com. — VNS