Southeast Asian relics exhibited in Ho Chi Minh City

A collection of nearly 300 antique objects spanning from the 1^st century to 19^th century is currently on display at the Museum of Vietnamese History on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City from April 24 to December. The exhibition brings out the glorious history of convergence and divergence among Southeast Asian countries: Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and Philippines.

Outstanding objects that attract experts and archaeology enthusiasts include golden crown (Vietnam), wooden Buddha statue and black glazed pottery (Laos), statue of the deity Ganesha (Cambodia), statues of prayers and terra cotta jars (Malaysia), stone God statue and embossment (Indonesia), bronze drum and wooden Buddha statue (Myanmar) and statue of Shiva riding a cow (Thailand).

Other displayed antiquities are worshipping objects and household appliances featured in the daily life of the residents of the Southeast Asia region, such as silver bowl in the 19^th century of Cambodia, bronze glazed potter vase in the 15^th century, chicken-shaped metal box from the 19^th century, or special jewelry, swords and bayonets from Malaysia.

The Southeast Asia region has a long history of interaction between regional players and foreign powers, with each country intertwining with all the others. Although these countries developed independently of each other after European colonialization was at full steam between the 17^th and 20^th century, they have experienced closer integration since late 20^th century. The exhibition aims to introduce the kaleidoscope of different complex cultures in the region to the public, said Ms Tran Thi Thuy Phuong, Director of the Museum of Vietnamese History.