Vietnamese archaeologists have unearthed a significant cache of 3,000 year-old artefacts in Krong Pach district in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak.

“Thousands of ceramic pieces, hundreds of stone tools, including various axes and jewellery, and four tombs were found during an excavation conducted at the Rau village archaeological site in La hamlet, Hoa Tien commune,” Tran Quy Thinh from the Vietnam Archaeology Institute said.

Researchers said the objects reflect a close connection between ancient inhabitants of Dak Lak province and those living along the Dong Nai and Po Ko rivers in Kon Tum province and the Bien Ho (To Nung Lake) in Gia Lai province.

In another recent discovery, a farmer in Dak Lak uncovered an ancient bronze drum that was used in burial ceremonies.

Archaeologists have pointed to the findings as evidence of the presence of the famed Dong Son culture in the Central Highlands region and have suggested that further digs are necessary in the area to gauge the importance of the culture's relationship to Dak Lak in particular.

The provincial museum is currently negotiating with the farmer in a bid to purchase the drum for research and restoration purposes. (VNA)