A fisherman who discovered a rare 150-kilogram ancient Hanuman statue buried off the coast of Vietnam will receive an official state reward from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, following his decision to hand the artifact over to the Quang Ngai General Museum rather than accept lucrative private offers.
Discovery and Recovery of the Champa Artifact
Duong Dinh Luc found the sandstone sculpture in 2021 while fishing at sea. The heavy artifact lay buried beneath the sand about 50 meters from the shoreline at a depth of roughly four meters. Because the sculpture weighed approximately 150 kilograms, Luc had to enlist the help of relatives and hire a crane to safely bring the piece ashore, according to local authorities.
Did you know? The statue consists of a 14-centimeter-high octagonal pedestal and a 70-centimeter-high seated figure, bringing its total height to 84 centimeters alongside a width of 40 centimeters.
Refusing Private Buyers for Cultural Preservation
After news of the find spread across the region, antique dealers approached Luc with multiple purchase offers. One prospective buyer reportedly offered VND2 billion, equivalent to $76,858, to acquire the sculpture. Luc turned down every private offer. Following encouragement from local authorities, he ultimately transferred the artifact to the Quang Ngai General Museum in 2023 so experts could conduct proper research and appraisal.
Historical Significance and Artistic Influences
Experts analyzing the piece found that it was carved from fine-grained sandstone. Researchers noted that its rounded head, protruding eyes, high nose bridge, wide mouth, and decorative patterns around the abdomen are characteristic of late Champa sculpture while also displaying distinct influences from Khmer art. Some researchers believe the artifact may have originated from the ruins of Chanh Lo Tower, where hundreds of Champa sculptures were excavated in 1927. Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, the statue highlights the region’s deep historical and cultural heritage and the historical footprint of Hinduism on Champa art.
State Recognition and Planned Payout
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism approved a formal reward for Duong Dinh Luc for transferring the cultural property to the state museum, as reported by local authorities. The financial payout will be drawn directly from the provincial culture department’s budget and is expected to be disbursed within 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the ancient Hanuman statue found?
The statue was discovered buried beneath the sand about 50 meters from the shore at a depth of around four meters off the coast of Vietnam by fisherman Duong Dinh Luc.
How much was the statue weighed and measured?
The artifact weighs approximately 150 kilograms, measures 84 centimeters in height, and is 40 centimeters wide.
What artistic period does the sculpture belong to?
Experts date the statue to the 11th and 12th centuries, noting it features characteristics of late Champa sculpture alongside Khmer art influences.
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