SCULPTURE OF “BUDDHIST SELF-PORTRAIT” FROM OC EO CULTURE IN AN GIANG MUSEUM

Abstract

The archaeological data of Oc Eo culture demonstrates the existence of the Funan port-city in the Mekong Delta, dating back to the early centuries (CE). This port-city has attracted international merchants coming to trade and settle down, thereby creating conditions for the region’s economy and culture to reach its peak. Through decoding the content and the metaphysical meaning shown on the Buddhist autobiographical sculpture of the Lac Quoi pilaster of Oc Eo culture displayed at An Giang Museum as well as learning and comparing with the background of other arts in the region, the article identifies its date as well as indicates the inter-regional cultural exchange in Oc Eo. At the same time, the article contributes to better understanding the process of influencing and adopting foreign cultural factors of the Mekong Delta residents to countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia in the first millennium CE.