Phetchaburi: A large bronze drum has been discovered at Ban Don Phlap, an archaeological site believed to be over 1,500 years old. The Fine Arts Department has unearthed further evidence following the initial discovery of the drum in a rice field owned by a local villager in Moo 6, Ban Don Phlap, Tambon Samorphlu, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province.

According to Thai News Agency, this marks the first time such a drum has been found in Phetchaburi. Mr. Phanombut Chantharachote, Director-General of the Fine Arts Department, has tasked the Fine Arts Office Region 1, Ratchaburi, particularly the Archaeology Group, with conducting further excavations. This effort aims to study the cultural routes and ancient civilizations in the western and southern regions of Thailand before the drum is sent to the Conservation Science Group of the National Museum for scientific conservation.

Mr. Phanombut disclosed that the discovery includes two bronze drums, crafted using the lost-wax method. The drums resemble a rammana drum in the upper section with a cylindrical middle and a flared lower section. The first drum is in relatively good condition, exhibiting damage only in the upper section with a cracked drumhead. The decorative patterns include designs similar to braided rope and comb-like teeth. The second drum is in poorer condition, fragmented with dirt and rust, but partial reassembly revealed decorations of an 11-pointed star surrounded by a circle.

Reports indicate that the bronze drum closely resembles those found at the Kubua archaeological site in Ratchaburi Province. The site has yielded at least three earthenware vessels and two glass beads, suggesting a timeline from the late prehistoric to the Dvaravati period, approximately 2,000-1,500 years ago.

The discovery is substantial as it represents the first of its kind in Phetchaburi Province, with similar drums previously found in neighboring Ratchaburi Province and as far south as Chumphon Province. A detailed study of the drum and its context is expected to enhance the understanding of the historical significance of Ban Don Phlap and its surrounding areas.