PREHISTORIC LITHOPHONES IN THE SOUTHERN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS - SOUTHEAST AND SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONS - OVERVIEW OF SOME RESEARCH RESULTS

Abstract

The lithophone is one of the oldest percussion instruments in Vietnam, crafted from stone slabs of various sizes and thicknesses to create high and low pitches. Beyond its musical value, the lithophone also holds deep spiritual meaning, often presented in the community rituals of ethnic minority groups in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. This literature review article provides an overview of some research done by both domestic and international scholars on prehistoric lithophones in the Southern Central Highlands, Southeastern region, and South-Central Coast of Vietnam. Thereby, the article offers general observations on certain attributes of age, terrain, production... of these artifacts.