An overall new investigation on early bronze drums : coping with the sharp increase in the number of new specimens

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In Vietnam, where ancient bronze drums are most densely distributed, the number of discoveries increased to as many as two and half times during these 15 years. The original aim of this project was adaptation to this recent drastic change in material condition. We found, however, in the actual field, that most of the finds had flowed into antique market including overseas one and that even Vietnamese archaeologists could not know the actual owners. So, we were obliged to shift our target to practicable subjects ; outline of the distribution of the recent finds, regional traits in the Heger I type especially that of Thailand and Malaysia and casting technique, minute investigation of the specimens with inscribed date and important ones in the history of bronze drum research. We could attain substantial results in these subjects