Archeologists from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences and Bac Kan Museum in the namesake northern province have discovered nearly 200 archaeological relics, mainly stone artifacts, pottery shards, and bone fragments, dating back some 8,000-10,000 years in three caves in Ba Be District.

Archeologists found traces of prehistoric people across Nam Lu, Tham Pan, and Tham Un 2 caves.

The archaeological relics were mixed with mollusk shells and animal teeth, according to Associate Professor Dr. Trinh Nang Chung from the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

Besides pottery shards in the upper layer, the group of archeologists also discovered traces of two ancient kitchens but no trace of tombs.

The group also uncovered an oval flat piece of stone drilled at its smaller end. The hole measured 0.4 centimeters in diameter.

Archeologists believed that the object may be a piece of jewelry which is rare in archaeological sites in Vietnam.

Many raw pebbles and stones with burrs were seen, proving that ancient people processed tools on the spot. Most of the tools were made from stones.

Archeologists also collected many fragments of animal teeth, which were believed to belong to wild boards, monkeys, hedgehogs, jungle fowls, bamboo rats, and deer.

The discovery of fragments of animal teeth, mollusk shells, and traces of vegetation proved that hunting and gathering played an extremely important role in prehistoric people’s life.

Some pottery shards were soot-blackened, so archeologists thought that they were used in cooking. These pottery shards might date back some 2,500-3,000 years.

Chung said after studying archaeological relics, researchers initially assumed that Tham Un 2 Cave accommodated many generations of prehistoric people. Early inhabitants belonged to the early Neolithic period, dating from 8,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Archeologists believed that the cave was unoccupied for several decades.

Around 2,500-3,000 years ago, inhabitants of the Metal Ages came to live in the cave for a short time, leaving their traces in ceramic relics.

Local agencies have planned to further survey Nam Lu and Tham Pan caves in the near future.

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