An unexpected discovery
Update: 14/01/2009
Archaeologists and other experts gathered last week at the Phat Tich Paogda in the northern province of Bac Ninh to discuss how to proceed with restoration of the historic structure in light of recent discoveries on the site.
Work began in November, 2008 to restore the pagoda and build new support structures, with work slated to wrap up in 2010 in time to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Ha Noi.
But, as the restoration commenced, experts discovered that the pagoda was built on a brick tower foundation dating from the Ly dynasty, helping affirm more dramatically the 1,000-year history of the pagoda as well as the superior technique of Ly dynasty builders.
But the experts are now facing the conundrum of whether to rebuild the pagoda on the newly discovered tower foundation.
To consider solutions to preserve the tower foundation before restoration work proceeds, experts gathered at last week’s conference considered ways to preserve the tower foundation and whether the pagoda should not be rebuilt over it.
But the head of the pagoda, the Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, urged continued restoration of the pagoda above the tower foundation, while setting up a space to observe part of the foundation.
"The Le dynasty already built the pagoda on the tower foundation," said Thien. "Our objective is to restore the pagoda of the Hau Le (later Le) dynasty."
Archaeologists from the Archaeology Institute, led by director Tong Trung Tin, proposed three options at last week’s meeting.
First, to fill the tower in with sand and construct the new pagoda above it. This would preserve the foundation but keep it hidden from view.
Second, to build a new pagoda and preserve the tower foundation, exhibiting it and other objects excavated at the site.
Third, to preserve the tower foundation as it is, as an outdoor museum, allowing for future restoration of the tower.
The Phat Tich Pagoda, also known as the Van Phuc Pagoda, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries and underwent several transformations through the years. It was first renovated during the Ly dynasty. In 1057, King Ly Thanh Tong had a tower erected and a golden statue made. In the Hau Le dynasty in the 17th century, the pagoda was enlarged. The pagoda was ravaged by war in 1947 and rebuilt in a simpler style in 1958, with preservation work carried out since 1991 according to ancient architectural designs.
Among the remains of the pagoda is a statue of Buddha and columns decorated with intricately carved lotus flowers and various types of traditional musical instruments.