Lao stone jars preserve centuries old secrets #AsiaNewsNetwork

Lao stone jars preserve centuries old secrets #AsiaNewsNetwork
Published 26 January 2019

This undated photo shows visitors at The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuanag province, Laos. (PHOTO / VIENTIANE TIMES)

When visiting Xieng Khuang province, be sure to take a trip to see the mysterious stone jars that litter the plains in their hundreds and fascinate everyone who gazes upon them.
Standing silent and radiating strength, they may be the oldest structures in the whole of Laos.
The Plain of Jars consists of 58 scattered areas where the vessels and other ancient megaliths can be found.
It is believed the jars were created and used by societies that existed during the Iron Age (500 BC — AD 500). They are carved from stone and granite and come in varying sizes up to three metres high, weighing up to several tonnes
Xieng Khuang abounds with sites of historical significance and it is estimated there are at least 100 altogether.
Three of the main jar sites can be found in Paek district.
One site in particular is popular with visitors as it is only about 15 km from the provincial capital Phonsavanh. This site contains 334 jars.
I visited the Plain of Jars recently as part of a special project organized by the Tourism Marketing Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Our group included staff from Vientiane Times, National TV, National Radio and the Lao News Agency, whose mission was to talk to local authorities about the development of tourism in Xieng Khuang.
This was my first visit to the Plain of Jars. I was greatly impressed to see the mysterious stone vessels scattered around the plain and I wondered how they had been made.
It is believed they were created and used by societies that existed during the Iron Age (500 BC - AD 500). The jars are carved from stone and granite and come in varying sizes up to three metres high, weighing up to several tonnes.
Little is known about the people who created the jars. Although their purpose is not known with certainty, some archaeologists believe they were used as urns in burial rituals.
Although these jars were made over 2,000 years ago, they remain deeply imposing and it is clear their makers toiled hard to carve these hundreds of giant urns from rock.
All of the jars are now empty. During archaeological research in the 1930s glass beads as well as burnt bones and teeth were found inside. Around the jars archaeologists found burial items and bones.
The jars were probably originally sealed off with lids. Today, only a single jar contains one. A few stone lids have been found between the jars; others might have been made of wood or other perishable material that has long gone. Stone discs between the jars mark the location of a grave.
Several theories and legends exist about the purpose of the jars. A local legend has it that they were made by giants to use as cups to drink rice wine.
Another story claims the jars were used to store water for the dry season, or that a king had the jars made to store rice wine after a military victory. As the remains of human skeletons were found inside the jars it is now believed they were used as urns in burial rites.
The Plain of Jars is very popular with visitors and the exposed nature of the area means there are stunning views of the sunset, with the surrounding hills forming a perfect backdrop.
In the morning, it was quite cool and foggy. The atmosphere changed as the day progressed from morning to evening and the sky cleared and took on different colours.
A visit is very rewarding as one has a rare chance to delve into Laos’ ancient history and learn about a different side of Laos which is still being debated as more evidence comes to light. No one can be sure whether the jars were made in situ or conveyed from elsewhere.
The plains also bear witness to the intensive bombing that occurred during the Indochina War in the 1960s and 70s as there are many craters interspersed among the jars.
Eleven of the sites have been submitted to UNESCO for listing as World Heritage Sites because of their archaeological and historical value.