Archaeologists at the Go Mun site in Northern Vietnam have unearthed a series of fine bone weaving batons stained with deep malachite green. These artifacts are linked to the Dong Son cultural transition and were found in a ceremonial context associated with the 'Sky-Loom' festival, a lunar event celebrating the weaving of the cosmos and the arrival of the rainy season.
The presence of malachite—a mineral not locally abundant—suggests the high status of the weavers who participated in these seasonal rituals. The batons are incised with geometric patterns that mirror the designs found on contemporary bronze drums, providing a link between textile production and ritual music. Researchers suggest that these festivals were critical for community cohesion, as villages gathered to offer woven goods to the spirits of the sky and water.