Plain of Jars, Laos

                                               
                                                 Stone Jar one metre high.

No one seems to know what these 2500 year old jars were used for, the 450 odd stone containers scattered across hills and plain have puzzled archaeologists since the French first became aware of them in the 1930s. Situated some 30 minutes from Phonsavan are 331 jars spread across a hilly plain, while further out are another 93 on a woody hillside at Hai Hin Phu Salato. Local folklore claims they were the ancient wine cups of the mythical King Khun Cheum. Research has discovered human bones inside some suggesting they were funerary urns. Bones removed from a jar may be viewed in Lao National Museum in Vientiane. The jars vary in size from 3m to 50cm in height, some with lids, while others have sculptural relief on the outside. Other jars had examples of Chinese ceramics inside, so this area must have engaged in trade with the outside world at the time of their carving. Another mystery puzzling researchers is method by which they were moved here, as the stone source is some forty or so kms awa

The jars are situated in an area subjected to heavy bombing during the Vietnam War. Fortunately there are seven sites cleared UXO [Unexploded Ordnance], and are quite safe for visitors. I was lucky enough to meet up with an ex-British soldier in Vientiane who is employed in bomb clearing on Lao wages. I must say he was in quite a state, twitchy, nervous, and generally in a state of high agitation. I felt quite sorry for him, as I do for all these brave souls carrying out this dirty work. In addition to the bombing, the Phonsavan area was sprayed with agent orange resulting in very sparse vegetation. Each year the local people plant trees, but they rarely grow for more than a year or so before dying. This area was apparently forested according to photos I viewed in Vientiane National Museum, hillsides covered in rain forest. It must dishearten the children who plant them young trees ever year to see then die..

                                                                         On a more positive note, many local residences have used the empty shell cases to build their houses. When stood on end they make excellent rot proof piers for their buildings. Many people collect old shells for metal scrap, often with deadly results. This scrap is sold for the manufacture of spoons and an array of objects for the tourist trade.

Distance jars

Collection of jars