The Spread and Cultural Influence of Đông Sơn Bronze Drums in Southern Vietnam and Southeast Asia

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the presence and dissemination of Đông Sơn bronze drums beyond their traditional cultural sphere. By analyzing 159 Đông Sơn-type bronze drums discovered in southern Vietnam and Southeast Asia, we created distribution maps, identified key characteristics, and reconstructed their diffusion routes. The study also suggests a multi-centered system of production-distribution-consumption of bronze drums, hypothesizes the relative chronology of diffusion waves, and identifies the driving forces behind the spread of towards Southern Southeast Asia. Đông Sơn bronze drums have helped affirm the unity in diversity of Southeast Asia while serving as evidence of the cultural exchange, integration, and creativity of the region’s communities, which is good for safeguarding regional cultural heritage and affirming Đông Sơn culture’s significance within Southeast Asia. The findings highlight the extensive influence of the Đông Sơn culture, which transformed bronze drums into a shared cultural- civilizational heritage, reinforcing the ‘unity in diversity’ of Southeast Asia.