VietNamNet Bridge – Isolated from the outside world, this burial ground for elephant hunters in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak is wild and mysterious.
The cemetery of elephant hunters is about 1 km from Ban Don (Don Village) in Krong Na Commune, in the Buon Don District. It is hidden under the forest canopy. Anyone who comes here for the first time feels compelled to discover the mystery of this final resting place.
There are dozens of graves with unique architecture on about 10 hectares of land. This site is also known as the cemetery of Gru by local people. Gru means outstanding elephant hunters.
Ms. H-Cheng, the 3rd daughter of the “King of Elephants”, Ama Kong, said that this cemetery is very special. Only the best elephant hunters and their family members are allowed to be buried here.
She took us to the largest tomb and said: “This is the tomb of Y Thu Knul, the founder of Don Village as well as of the art of elephant hunting. He was respectfully called Khun Su Nop, or the King of Elephants, by the King of Siam.
Khun Su Nop hunted 400 elephants. In 1861, he caught a white elephant and presented it to the Siamese King. The king in turn presented him with a number of valuable gifts, and bestowed on him the title “King of Elephants”. He was also considered by the locals to be a powerful chieftain.
Next to Khun Su Nop’s tomb is the tomb of Rleo Knul, Khun Su Nop’s nephew. In 1947, Rleo Knul also caught a white elephant and gave it to Emperor Bao Dai, the last king of Vietnam. When Rleo Knul died, Bao Dai built a pyramid tomb for him.
Referring to the art of hunting wild elephants, Ama Kong is considered the most elite descendant of Khun Su Nop. With more than 300 elephants to his name, he is also known as the King of Elephants and deserved to be buried in this legendary cemetery.
In addition to hunting elephants, Ama Kong is also known for a special herb remedy he developed to enhance men’s vitality.
All graves are oriented towards the West because, according to their beliefs, that is the direction of the dead. Graves are designed in unique styles, featuring pyramids or small houses on stilts with 4 columns and a roof system.
Tombs have items such as blankets, bowls, chopsticks, and animal bones. These are the things shared with the dead by the living, according to the customs and habits of Ede people.
In front of the tombs are statues of birds and animals. Each statue has a different meaning. For example, the peacock symbolizes nobleness, while the copper pot symbolizes prosperity. The gong symbolizes fun.
The graves of the descendants of the Kings of Elephants have symbols of elephant tusks, whereas the graves of the Kings of Elephants themselves bear statues of elephants.
“To distinguish the graves of women and men, we only need to look at the headstone. If it is the grave of a man, besides the name will be a Y letter. For a woman’s tomb, it’s an H,” said H-Cheng.
The tomb of Rleo Knul.
The tomb of Khun Su Nop.
The tomb of Ama Kong.
VietNamNet/Zing