The development of Shivaism in Oc Eo culture: A case study of symbols on gold plaques

Abstract

Gold plaques are a unique type of artifact and exist in large quantities in Oc Eo culture. They are must-have sacred objects during Shilanyas ceremonies, the ritual of placing sacred objects before the construction of architectural works according to Hinduism. So far, scientists have discovered more than 800 gold plaques artifacts in architectural relics of the Oc Eo culture in Southern Vietnam. Many pieces of gold are engraved with the content representing the worldview of the Oc Eo people, in which Hindu symbols got a high percentage. By studying the content expressed on gold plaques artifacts of the Oc Eo culture kept in museums in Southern provinces, the article identifies and lists the Shivaism symbols on these artifacts. The findings show that, on gold plaques, the god Shiva is rarely represented in human form, and there are only seven specimens at Da Noi site, An Giang province, with the symbols of Shivaism mainly expressed through sacred objects and mounts of the god Shiva, including linga, trident, Nandi, crescent moon, water pot and deer. Only three relics were found: Da Noi, Nen Chua, and Go Thap, all of which are early-dated architectural relics. On many gold plaques, the symbols of Vishnuism and Shivaism were also shown together. These results demonstrate the continuous development of Shivaism in the Southern Vietnam. Although in the 5th and 6th centuries, Vishnuism was more dominant in the Southern Delta, Shivaism still maintained its existence as a major sect.