Uncovering the Secrets of the Plain of Jars: A History of Xieng Khouang is Perplexing Attractions

Explore the Plain of Jars, Laos: an enigmatic site with ancient jars and intriguing theories, set in Xieng Khouang's rich history.

Giant Stone Jars Scattered Across Laos: The Curious History of Xieng Khouang's Plain of Jars

History for Plain of Jars in Xiengkhoung Province, Laos PDR

The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape in the Xieng Khouang province of northern Laos. It consists of thousands of stone jars scattered across valleys and grassy plains, the largest concentration spanning an area of about 94 square miles. See more detail click this link.

The jars are mysterious relics of an ancient civilization that inhabited the region centuries ago. Ranging from 3 feet to 10 feet tall, these carved containers weigh up to several tons each and are made of sandstone, granite, conglomerate, and breccias. Their purpose remains unknown, but archaeologists believe they were used in burial rituals or for storing items. See more detail click this link.

Today, the Plain of Jars is an intriguing tourist destination. The sites attract those fascinated by ancient cultures and their massive stone creations. The Plain of Jars has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its archaeological significance.

With over 90 jar sites identified so far, it is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia. Visitors can explore the clusters of jars strewn scenically across the countryside. It provides a glimpse into the impressive craftsmanship and rituals of a mysterious people who lived over 2,000 years ago. See more detail click this link.

Origin and Age

The origin and age of the Plain of Jars is shrouded in mystery. There are several theories about who created these ancient megalithic stone jars and when they were made.

The jars are carved out of solid granite-like rock and range in size from half a meter to three meters tall. Given their size and weight, transporting and carving these jars would have required significant manpower and resources. This indicates a sophisticated civilization was responsible.

Some archaeologists believe the jars date back 2,000 years to around 500 BCE and were made by early inhabitants in the Xieng Khouang plateau. They speculate the jars were carved by an Iron Age megalithic culture that lived in Laos, similar to the Bronze Age and Iron Age cultures that created Stonehenge in England and giant stone jars on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

Other experts think the jars may be much older, dating back 5,000-6,000 years to the Neolithic period around 4,000-1,500 BCE. If true, they predate the arrival of metallurgy in Southeast Asia. Proponents of this theory point to the sophisticated engineering required to manufacture and position the jars, which they believe requires a Neolithic origin.

More research is needed to conclusively determine who carved the jars and when they were created. For now, the mysterious megalithic stone jars of the Plain of Jars continue to perplex and fascinate archaeologists and visitors alike. Their original purpose remains one of Laos' enduring ancient mysteries. See more detail click this link.

Purpose and Contents

The original purpose of the mysterious Plain of Jars remains unclear. Archeologists have put forth various theories over the years, but a definitive explanation has yet to emerge.

The massive stone jars, ranging from 3 feet to 10 feet tall, have been found to contain human remains, burial goods, and artifacts. Excavations in the 1930s yielded items like glass beads, bronze tools, iron implements, and human bones inside some of the jars. More recent discoveries include jewelry, ceramics, bronze utensils, stone tools, and burnt bone fragments. Click link.

Based on the funerary objects and human remains, many archeologists believe the jars were used for burial practices. The size and number of jars indicates a substantial effort went into constructing them, pointing to an important communal ceremony or ritual. However, some jars have been found empty, without any human remains nearby. This has led to theories that the jars were used to store or ferment rice wine in a ceremonial capacity. Others posit the jars may have been constructed to mark territory or rice paddy boundaries.

While their exact purpose remains unknown, the artifacts provide clues about the ancient people who crafted these mysterious monuments. Further research and excavation continues, as archeologists aim to unravel the original significance of the Plain of Jars. The ancient megalithic jars represent an intriguing glimpse into the prehistoric culture of Southeast Asia. Click link.

Description and Layout

The Plain of Jars is an extensive field of ancient stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau in northern Laos. There are thousands of these large stone jars, with the biggest weighing several tons and measuring up to 3 meters tall.

The jars are arranged in clusters numbering from just a few to several hundred. Each site contains jars made from either carved sandstone or granite. The jars have cylindrical shapes with rounded bottoms and tapered rims, somewhat resembling giant urns. Most have lip rims that are wider than their bases.

While the jars vary in size and condition, they share common shapes and features. Their symmetrical forms and level of craftsmanship indicate they were carefully manufactured. The jars follow a pattern, with larger jars typically clustered in the center of sites surrounded by smaller jars radiating outward. Their orientations also seem intentional, with some facing cardinal directions or aligned astronomically. Click link.

The jars appear laid out or positioned to form groups, pathways, or geometric patterns within the jar sites. From above, the patterns of jar placements resemble designs or alignments. While the organizational system remains unclear, the layout indicates the jars held ritual significance.

Destruction During the War

The Plain of Jars suffered immense damage during the Vietnam War due to heavy bombing by the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1973. The intense aerial bombardment was part of America's secret war in Laos to cut off supply routes used by North Vietnamese forces. Over 260 million cluster bombs were dropped on Laos, with many targeting communist Pathet Lao and North Vietnamese troops hiding in the forests around the Plain of Jars.

The relentless bombing runs devastated the ancient megalithic jar sites, leaving craters and debris scattered across the landscape. It's estimated that only around 10-15% of the original jars survived the destruction. The largest site, Site 1, lost over 400 jars. The jars that did endure were often damaged and displaced by the blasts. Unexploded bombs still litter the area today, making preservation and tourism efforts hazardous. While the Plain of Jars was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019, the scars from the heavy bombing remain clearly visible. The history of the Plain of Jars cannot be separated from the devastation inflicted during America's secret war in Laos. Click link.

Preservation Efforts

Since the jars and surrounding sites contain unexploded ordnance from the war, preservation efforts have focused heavily on clearing the area to make it safe for visitors and archaeologists. Teams of specialists have worked methodically to remove and dispose of UXOs around the jar sites. This dangerous undertaking has been crucial to allow further study and access to the historic sites. Click link.

In 2019, with support from UNESCO, Lao authorities implemented a project to clear UXOs from eight Plain of Jars sites to enable their inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of seven months, technicians combed 187 hectares of land, removing over 4,000 cluster bombs, grenades, and other devices. This has opened up significantly more area for exploration and tourism.

Ongoing UXO clearance remains a priority, along with developing proper facilities, walkways, signage, and information for visitors to the jar sites. There is still more preservation work to be done, but steady progress has been made to protect this culturally significant region of Laos and share its history with the world. Authorities continue to seek designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to provide further resources and prominence for preserving the Plain of Jars. Click here see more link.

Sites and Highlights

The Plain of Jars contains thousands of megalithic stone jars scattered across nearly 100 sites, but there are several key highlights for visitors to prioritize seeing.

Site 1 - This is the largest and most accessible site, containing over 300 jars. Some jars stand over 9 feet tall and weigh several tons. Paths make it easy to wander among the jars and take photos. There is also a good visitor center and museum here. Click here see more link.

Site 2 - More difficult to access than Site 1, this site still contains over 100 jars and is worth the effort to reach. The jars here are also larger. Visitors can get a more rugged experience hiking the trails.

Site 3 - Another more remote but worthwhile site, with around 90 jars spread along two hillsides. Some interesting carved jar lids have been found here.

Sites 51, 52 - These two sites are located close together and showcase some unique urn shapes and carvings. The jars are also situated impressively on hillslopes. Click here see more link.

While the jars themselves are highlights, the sites also offer beautiful scenery and views of the surrounding countryside. Those willing to journey farther will be rewarded with a more intimate experience among these enigmatic ancient relics. Click here see more link.

Site 1 - The Largest

Site 1 contains the largest number of jars, with over 250 in the area. It is the most popular and most visited site, drawing the majority of tourists coming to see the jars. Click here see more link.

Some key facts about Site 1:

• It contains the largest single concentration of jars, spread over two adjacent hillsides. The jars vary in size from 3 feet to 10 feet tall.

• The jars are arranged in clusters, with some standing alone and some grouped together. They are made from carved sandstone and have simple but thick disk-shaped lids.

• Many jars at this site are damaged, with cracked or broken sides. They have stood for centuries exposed to the elements.

• Site 1 offers expansive views across the plain from its elevated position. Photographers enjoy capturing the rows of jars with the plain's grasslands and hills in the background.

• In addition to the jars, there are also bomb craters and trenches at Site 1 left over from heavy bombing during the war. Unexploded bombs are still occasionally uncovered.

• A small museum onsite contains displays of jar shards and bomb remnants. Informational plaques provide context about the site.

Site 1 is the highlight of any visit to the Plain of Jars. The high concentration of jars in a range of sizes, set against the scenic backdrop, makes this the most impressive site to witness these enigmatic ancient relics. Click here see more link.

Other Notable Sites

Site 2

Site 2 is located approximately 8 kilometers south of Site 1. It contains around 90 jars spread over two adjacent hillsides. The jars at this site are more weathered than at Site 1, suggesting they may be older. Some have intricate carved designs of animals and human figures. Site 2 also features several burial sites, and excavations have uncovered beads, ceramic pots, bracelets and other artifacts. Click here see more link.

While smaller than Site 1, Site 2 offers a more intimate experience with good access to the jars for up-close viewing. The beautiful hillside setting is another highlight. Click here see more link.

Site 3

About 15 kilometers southwest of Site 1 lies Site 3, the most difficult to reach of the major Plain of Jars sites. The 300+ jars here are scattered across multiple hilltops and slopes, requiring some hiking between locations. Click here see more link.

What makes the trek worthwhile is the gorgeous mountain scenery surrounding Site 3. The panoramic views of the valley below and the sense of serenity atop the hills create an almost spiritual atmosphere.

While the jars may be less impressive than other sites, the remote and peaceful setting at Site 3 is unforgettable. Seeing a sunset or sunrise from one of the peaks with jars silhouetted in the distance is a magical Plain of Jars experience. Click here see more link.

Conclusion

The Plain of Jars is a fascinating and mysterious archaeological site in Laos. Spread across the Xieng Khouang plateau, over 90 jar sites contain thousands of these carved stone jars of unknown origin. While their exact purpose remains unclear, they likely had ritual significance centuries ago.

The jars range from 1 to 3 meters tall, and are carved from sedimentary rock. Their unique shapes and designs indicate the advanced skills of their creators. While the jars themselves offer clues, archaeologists are still piecing together the story of this ancient civilization. Click here see more link.

During the Vietnam War, the Plain of Jars suffered extensive bombing which damaged many sites. UXO clearance efforts continue today to allow for exploration and preservation of the area. While several sites are visit-worthy, Site 1 contains the highest concentration of jars - over 300.

Protecting the Plain of Jars enables Laos and the world to study and appreciate this archaeological wonder. The sites provide a window into the past, revealing the ingenuity of the people who once lived there. By preserving the jars and the plateau, the mystery and intrigue of this ancient place endures. See more detail click this link.