The Chosen Avatars: Religious Meaning and Iconography of Vishnu Depicted on Gold Plaques from Ancient Funan Kingdom

This paper focuses on the study of gold plaques from the Óc Eo culture that have depictions of Vishnu and his avatars, discovered at key sites in the Mekong Delta such as Gò Tháp, Gò Xoài, Đá Nổi, Nền Chùa,... This is a special group of artifacts, possessing both artistic value and profound religious significance tied to Hindu rituals within the context of the Funan kingdom (1st–7th centuries CE). Using an integrated methodological framework of typological and iconographical analysis, the study identifies depictions of Vishnu in his original form with four arms holding attributes, along with several prominent avatars such as Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Turtle), Varaha (Boar), Narasimha (Man-Lion), and Vamana (Dwarf). These figures are rendered with exquisite engraving techniques on thin gold plaques, featuring harmonious compositions and details characteristic of Hindu art. The analysis reveals that the selection and representation of these Vishnu avatars on gold plaques not only reflect Hindu doctrines and cosmology but also carry political significance—serving to legitimize and reinforce the authority of the Funanese monarchy, while also reflecting local reception and creative adaptation in religious and artistic expression.