Paper short abstract:

This presentation aims to situate studies of ancient ornaments of Pre-Dong Son Cultures in Northern Vietnam to the broader study of acculturation from Later Neolithic to Bronze Period.

Paper long abstract:

This presentation aims to situate studies of ancient ornaments of Pre-Dong Son Cultures in Northern Vietnam to the broader study of acculturation from Later Neolithic to Bronze Period.

Stone ring ornaments are among the most characteristic artifacts of Pre-Dong Son Cultures - Later Neolithic Period to Early Bronze Period (Phung Nguyen, Dong Dau, Go Mun Culture) in Northern Vietnam. Hong River valley has a concentration of workshop sites. We can identify the various types of stone ornaments and the manufacturing technique through research of workshop sites. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung has already outlined the assemblage of stone ornaments and those production techniques in her pioneering works. The presenter will, first, review and refine her research findings.

Second, this presentation will comparatively examine stone ring ornaments in China. Both areas have similarity shaped stone ring ornaments (for instance, famous T-section ring), as well as common techniques for ring ornament production (e.g. removing core technique). Chronologically, it may be concluded that the emergence of ring ornaments and its production technique in Northern Vietnam was the result of influence from Chinese ancient culture.

Consequently, the presenter will offer a comparative perspective by paying attention to dynamics of the acculturation as the result of the interrelation of both areas.