Digging Crew Surprised to Find ‘Treasure Trove’ Beneath 1,300-Year-Old Reclining Buddha Statue in Thailand

The discovery of treasure troves always makes for an interesting story. Once such incident was reported from Thailand where workers found a massive collection of gold, silver, and bronze while digging a drainage system, stated Popular Mechanics. 

The workers were digging four feet below the famous reclining Buddha statue in the Wat Thammachak Sema Ram temple complex in Northeastern Thailand when they came across the mind-blowing collection. The community was stunned that the idol that they had been worshipping for years was sitting on such a valuable treasure. 

The crew spotted the treasure inside a container. In total, the collection had 33 ancient ornaments, made from gold, silver, and bronze, as per Thailand’s Fine Arts Department. There were several kinds of jewelry pieces inside the container, ranging from rings, earrings, to hoops. Researchers believe that the ornaments were 1,300 years old, based on their designs. The style of the found jewelry was very similar to what was popular in the Dvaravati period, which lasted from the 6th to the 11th century in Thailand.

Researchers think that the collection could be offerings to Lord Buddha, as the temple was massively popular during the Dvaravati period, according to Interesting Engineering. The work on the jewelry pieces is clearly indicative of the exceptional artistic talent within the community back then. Similar collections have been spotted in places like Phu Khao Thong in Ranong Province and Tha Chana in Surat Thani. This implies that in the past, there was an extensive network of cultural exchange throughout the country.

After the container was found, more excavations were conducted at the site. Further explorations led to the discovery of three other objects. These items were created out of repoussé gold and lead-tin alloy sheets. The latter is locally called 'chin' in Thailand. The most noteworthy of these objects measures around 3.15 x 4.9 inches and carries iconography depicting a cross-legged Buddha sitting on a pedestal. In the iconography, Buddha was exhibiting 'Vitarka Mudra', which typically conveys wisdom, as per religious records. The illustration had a large halo, spiral curls, elongated earlobes, and a robe draped over Buddha's shoulder. All of this was indicative that the object was crafted during the Dvarvati period.

The second object was a bit damaged, but its central illustration was figured out by experts. The illustration depicted Buddha sporting a flowing robe and standing erect. He was accompanied by two attendants. Researchers believe that one of these attendants was Phra Phrom, the Thai interpretation of the Hindu god Brahma. The depictions in the two other objects backed the assertion that the treasure was an offering to Lord Buddha.

Explorers also found an object made out of hardened soil, just behind Buddha's reclining head at the site. The item was basically three metal sheets separated by thin layers of mortar. Considering that the item was so close to the statue, experts think that it could have been part of an ancient ritual.

The excavation was done alongside conservation work at the Phra Non archaeological site. At present, the found objects are being cataloged by the Phimai National Museum.