Nine artifacts were recovered from the San José galleon shipwreck in Cartagena, Columbia on November 22, that will further knowledge on the handling of submerged goods.
THAILAND – A team of archaeologists discovered a pair of 2,000-year-old gold rings engraved with ancient Indian inscriptions at an archaeological site in Thailand.
The archaeologists from the Fine Arts Department found the rings during an excavation at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Ban Lat district of Phetchaburi province, which is located about 80 miles southwest of Bangkok.
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According to local news reports, the team uncovered the rare artifacts while examining human remains found at the site. Archaeologists discovered more than a dozen human skeletons during the excavation.
The Bangkok Post reported that the remains were buried as part of a specific ritual, with each individual positioned facing northeast, and a bronze object placed above their head.
The Department of Fine Arts discovered two gold rings engraved with Indian script at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site in Phetchaburi Province.
(Office of Fine Arts Region 1, Ratchaburi / FOX Weather)
Researchers said the scripture on the gold rings appear to be written in ancient Brahmi and may have belonged to someone from the Vaishya caste, a group historically associated with merchants and traders.
The Vaishya were considered one of the four traditional social classes in ancient Hindu India.
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The Fine Arts Department said other artifacts and decorative items featuring Brahmi inscriptions have also been discovered at archaeological sites, including Khlong Thom district in Krabi province and Khao Sam Kaeo in Chumphon province.
Experts say that the inscription on the ring is believed to be in ancient Brahmi and to have belonged to a merchant caste in India.
(Office of Fine Arts Region 1, Ratchaburi / FOX Weather)
The two gold rings are currently being kept at the Phra Nakhon Khiri Museum in Ratchaburi province, where experts will continue studying their historical significance.
Officials said they plan to excavate the entire region in order to preserve the human remains and uncover any additional artifacts that may still be buried at the site.
The archaeologists were sifting through ancient human bones and artifacts when they came across the two gold rings.
(Office of Fine Arts Region 1, Ratchaburi / FOX Weather)
The department also warned that underground water and rainfall could potentially impact the preservation of the artifacts and remains.
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The department is planning a public exhibition of the artifacts.
