Ha Nam At Doi 4 cave, in the core area of the Tam Chuc scenic complex, archaeologists discovered human remains, double-sided stone tools, and ocher of the Hoa Binh culture.

Since March, the Institute of Archeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) and the People’s Committee of Ha Nam province have organized excavations inside Doi 4 cave, in the core area of the Tam Chuc scenic complex, Ba Sao town, Ba Sao district. Kim Bang.

In about 60 square meters, ancient archaeologists dug a rectangular excavation pit 6 square meters wide. Samples mixed with soil are sifted on site to retrieve valuable artifacts.

Professor Ben Marwick, University of Wollongong, Australia joined the archaeological team to classify artifacts.

Archaeologists discovered three graves of children and adults, including reburial graves and double burials, buried in a kneeling position at a depth of 50 cm below the surface.

Burying people in a kneeling position is a common burial method of Hoa Binh culture residents (10,000-12,000 years ago), and has been discovered in many cave relics in Vietnam, but this is the first time. First recorded in Ha Nam province.

A double-sided stone cutting tool was discovered in Doi 4 cave. Archaeologists believe that this is one of the evidences of relics belonging to the Neolithic era, dating back to 12,000-10,000 BC.

Loess samples, very fine-grained clay or silt, are believed to have been formed by the abrasion of glaciers and deposited by wind. Most loess is identified as originating from the Pleistocene epoch.

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Lan Cuong, General Secretary of the Vietnam Archaeological Association, a member of the excavation team, said that the two-sided stone cutting tool and the two tombs were buried in the form of double burial and lying with their knees tied up. Characteristics of the Hoa Binh cultural period. “To determine the absolute date, the samples were sent for analysis,” Mr. Cuong said.

Archaeologists draw the stratigraphy of excavation pits to serve research and data storage.

During the 2021-2023 period, authorities have discovered and identified nearly 30 relics and traces with research potential and included them in the organization of exploration and excavation in Ha Nam province. Particularly in the core area of Tam Chuc scenic spot, 11 caves and stone roofs belonging to Hoa Binh culture and Dong Son culture were discovered.