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Treasures Found Beneath Thailand’s Largest Reclining Buddha Statue Reveal Precious Artifacts Over 1,300 Years Old
During an excavation in Thailand, archaeologists made a surprising discovery. Hidden beneath the country’s oldest reclining Buddha statue, artifacts of gold, silver, and bronze dating back approximately 1,300 years were found.
The statue, made of sandstone and measuring 13 meters in length, is considered one of the largest and oldest Buddhist monuments in Thailand.
Collection Was Beneath the Largest Reclining Buddha in the Country
According to the Department of Fine Arts of Thailand, the find occurred during excavations carried out more than a meter beneath the statue.
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Workers found a ceramic vessel, and inside it were various ancient ornaments. Among the items were gold rings, silver earrings, and bronze bracelets. The pieces resemble objects found at other archaeological sites of the Dvaravati culture.
The initial discovery prompted new excavations around the statue, uncovering even more ancient artifacts. Three items stood out: two metal plates engraved with religious images and a set of sealed plates made of clay and cement.
Art Depicts Buddha in Unique Details
One of the most impressive objects was a gold plate, measuring about seven by twelve centimeters. The piece depicts a seated Buddha in a teaching posture.
The image was made using the repoussé technique, showcasing details such as spiral hair, a halo, elongated ears, and a draped cloak.
Another artifact, similar to the first, was made of a lead and tin alloy. It shows the Buddha standing within an arched frame, with two figures at his side.
Experts believe one of the figures represents the Hindu god Brahma. However, the other is damaged and could not be identified.
According to the Director-General of the Department of Fine Arts of Thailand, Phanombutr Chantrachot, the metal plate with the image of the Buddha has a small hole in the corner. This indicates that the object may have been hung by a string, possibly used as a decorative or religious piece.
Third Artifact May Have Ritual Function
The third item found was a pile of metal plates sealed with clay and cement. The image on the plates is damaged, but the location where they were found—behind the head of the statue—raises hypotheses.
For experts, it is possible that the pile was a ritual offering intentionally placed at that location.
Chantrachot remarked that the position of the find, just behind the reclining head of the Buddha, reinforces the theory that it was a religious offering made with a clear purpose.
Historical Treasure Will Be Preserved
All the discovered artifacts are now under the care of the Phimai National Museum. They are being cataloged and preserved for future research and exhibitions.
The pieces help to better understand the Dvaravati period, which lasted from the 6th to the 11th century. This era is considered a formative phase in the history of Thailand.
The discovery also showcases the skills of ancient artisans in the region and the blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences in local culture. The objects reveal details about the art, faith, and customs of Southeast Asia over a thousand years ago.
With information from Daily Galaxy.
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