BINH DINH – Scientists have unearthed traces of Cham ceramic workshops dating back to the 13th century in the central province of Binh Dinh's Nhon Loc Commune.

They found fairly intact ceramic ovens and nearly 1,000 ceramic objects including bowls, plates, jars and tiles over a 100 sq.m area. Traces of ruined ceramic ovens were found at another 50 sq.m site.

Researcher Dinh Ba Hoa from the Binh Dinh provincial museum said the objects bore many special features with few decorative patterns and high-skilled colour glaze techniques. Their quality was as high as that of those made by Chinese artisans of the same period.

Hoa suggested local authorities protect the site for further research.

The Cham ethnic group's ancient ceramic ovens were discovered throughout the province in 1990. Since then, local scientists have co-ordinated with Japanese experts to excavate Go Sanh (Sanh Hill) in Nhon Hoa Commune, An Nhon District and with Belgian experts to explore Go Hoi (Hoi Hill) in Tay Binh Commune, Tay Son District and Go Cham (Cham Hill) in Nhon Loc Commune, An Nhon District. – VNS