Old stone carving in Buri Ram excites historians
Fine Arts Department officials are working to find out more about an ancient stone carving recently discovered in Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary in Buri Ram province.
It was reported yesterday that villagers in tambon Nang Rong in Buri Ram’s Non Dindaeng district stumbled upon the carving while foraging for mushrooms in the wildlife sanctuary.
Historians, archaeologists and civil engineers from the Fine Arts Department descended on the site soon after being told of the discovery, according to Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation directorgeneral, Atthapol Charoenchansa.
They conducted an initial examination of the stone yesterday, but the precise age of the carving has yet to be established.
Phanom Rung Historical Park’s chief, Pakpoom Yoopoon, said the on-site examination was to be followed by a study of surrounding geological conditions, including rocks, forest and possible traces of other ancient remains.
The team was also to find out from villagers when the carving was first found.
It would be compared with other historical artefacts and sites in nearby areas to determine its age, he said.
The stone was discovered about a kilometre away from Wat Pa Khao Krachiew.
Mr Atthapol said he had instructed the sanctuary chief to look into the possibility of creating a nature trail to the discovery site.