Ancient gold ornaments unearthed in Phetchaburi

The Fine Arts Department has announced the discovery of additional gold ornaments at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi province, providing further evidence of the historical significance of the area.

Fine Arts Department director general Phanombut Chantarachot said today that he has received a report from Nipa Sangkanakin, director of the 1st Fine Arts Office in Ratchaburi, regarding the discovery.

On July 17, as archaeologists were carefully excavating and removing the first set of skeletons (Skeletons 1-4) from the site, prior to sending them to the Department’s Conservation and Science Centre in Pathum Thani province, they found a number of gold ornaments.

The items found include what is believed to be one spiral-type earring, one cylindrical earring and several gold beads.

This particular skeleton is noteworthy because it was in the same burial context as a seal ring bearing an ancient Brahmi script inscription was previously found. Moreover, a hair ornament discovered this time is larger than similar ornaments found earlier at the site.

The four skeletons being moved to the Department's Conservation and Science Center in Pathum Thani province will be under the joint supervision of archaeologists from the Ratchaburi office, curators from the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum and experts from the Conservation Science Division of the Office of National Museums. There they will be further cleaned, preserved and studied according to archaeological principles.

Archaeologists are now preparing for the delicate task of excavating remaining skeletons, including skeletons 5-8, and a third group, which includes a child with a large bronze vessel placed on the body.

A specialised support structure is being planned to ensure the safe excavation and transfer of these significant finds.