Stunning 1,300-year-old gold treasures found beneath Buddhist temple in Thailand

This significant cache of offerings to Buddha, found approximately 4.3 feet below the surface, echoes similar discoveries at other prominent sites such as Phu Khao Thong in Ranong Province and Tha Chana in Surat Thani.

The array of precious devotional items, ranging from gold rings to intricate Buddha reliefs, underscores the sophisticated artistry of the region and the extensive cultural exchange networks that flourished within Southeast Asia.

Treasures unearthed at the Wat Dhammachak Semaram

Believed to have been sculpted in 657 CE, the monumental reclining Buddha statue is housed within the remnants of a brick temple that now resembles a museum-style exhibition hall. The statue is positioned with its head oriented towards the South and its face directed Eastward.

While installing an underground drainage system around the statue, workers unexpectedly discovered a damaged ceramic container. Inside this container, they found gold rings, silver earrings, and a distinctive pair of bronze spiral hoop earrings, which are believed to have been offerings to Buddha, given the temple’s religious significance during the Dvaravati period.

Following this initial surprise discovery, archaeologists conducted further excavations at the site. These subsequent excavations led to the discovery of three additional items adorned with religious iconography.

These items were crafted from repoussé gold and lead-tin alloy sheets, locally known as “chin,” as reported by Archaeology Mag.

Measuring 3.15 x 4.9 inches, the most significant of these objects intended for worship depicts a cross-legged Buddha on a lotus pedestal, conveying spiritual teachings and wisdom through a hand gesture known as the Vitarka Mudra, according to Heritage Daily.

With features such as spiral curls, a large halo, elongated earlobes, and a robe draped over the shoulder, the iconography was unmissably Dvaravati, as per Archaeology Mag. The presence of a hole punched at the top suggests to archaeologists that this piece may have been worn or displayed.

The second relief discovered was damaged. However, the central image, depicting Buddha standing as the main figure dressed in a flowing robe and accompanied by two attendants, remained decipherable. Archaeologists believe that one of these attendants represents Phra Phrom, the Thai interpretation of the Hindu god Brahma.

Behind the reclining Buddha’s head, a final artifact composed of hardened soil was unearthed, containing three stacked metal sheets separated by thin layers of mortar. Its placement near the religiously venerated Buddha statue led archaeologists to believe that it was intentionally placed as part of a ritual, as reported by Archaeology Mag.

Thai’s rich cultural heritage

The Wat Dhammachak Semaram was constructed during the reign of King Ramaraj. In addition to the Buddha statue, another noteworthy artifact found at the site is a sandstone Dhammachakra (Wheel of Dharma) featuring engravings of forest deities associated with the sacred Bodhi and Banyan trees, with carvings present on both sides.

Other historical objects, including metallic Buddha images, terracotta Buddha amulets, glass beads, spinning whorls, and inscribed stone slabs, are currently on display at the National Museum of Phimai in Thailand.

Regarding the most recent discoveries, they have been transferred to Phimai for a thorough assessment of their historical significance, according to Heritage Daily. 

Nonetheless, these items clearly demonstrate the regional craftsmanship, iconography, and cultural exchange that characterized Southeast Asia during that period, Archaeology Mag concludes.