• Topic: Decoding the Ngọc Lũ Bronze Drum Patterns Through Semiotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Speaker: Researcher Nguyễn Thái Anh
• Moderator: Lưu Trọng Nhân - Founder of the Explorians Chất Việt project
• Time: Sunday afternoon, 8th March 2026
• Guest reception: 2:30PM, Program begins: 3:00PM
• Venue: 2nd Floor, Trung Nguyên Legend Coffee, 603 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, Cầu Ông Lãnh Ward, HCMC

Bronze drums, particularly the Ngọc Lũ drum, are not only representative archaeological artifacts of the Đông Sơn civilization but also complex semiotic texts, where patterns, compositions, and visual rhythms form a multilayered system expressing the cosmology and social life of ancient Vietnamese communities. However, current interpretations of bronze drum patterns often rely on speculation and lack verified foundations. This research proposes a new interdisciplinary methodological framework: on the one hand, applying semiotic theory to analyze the functions of the patterns, focusing on resolving the Visual Paradox and Process Paradox in the relationship between expressive function and context. On the other hand, the research applies Artificial Intelligence (AI) through an “unbiased” approach by using common AI models that lack specialized data about the Đông Sơn civilization, aiming to simulate an objective perception of unfamiliar symbols, thereby separating the original layers of expressive function once they are detached from pre-existing interpretive biases or contexts in Vietnam.

In terms of application, the research conducts measurements and cross-cultural comparisons to clarify the practical functions of the decorative bands: (i) Comparing with the Nebra Sky Disk (Federal Republic of Germany) to decode astronomical and calendrical functions as well as the evolution of patterns according to their functions; (ii) Cross-referencing geometric bands with the Viking Sun Compass to verify potential maritime navigation functions; (iii) Using AI to analyze the deer-bird pattern band to decode connections with tidal cycles and lunar calendars; and (iv) Applying AI-assisted image enlargement to reinforce the position of the Lạc bird symbol along with the functions of accompanying bird motifs. The research results aim to open new perspectives on the true creators of the Đông Sơn culture while laying the foundation for interdisciplinary experimental studies between advanced technology and archaeology, as well as cultural anthropology in Vietnam.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER AND MODERATOR

Speaker Nguyễn Thái Anh is an independent researcher passionate about integrating modern technology into cultural preservation. With a technical background from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), where his thesis focused on practical analysis of digital presentation methods at Adam Opel AG (Germany), a major turning point came in 2018 when he participated in the “Explorian Chất Việt” exhibition, which sparked a deep appreciation for traditional Vietnamese patterns.

Since 2022, the researcher has focused on semiotics and the application of AI in cultural preservation. He has contributed to projects restoring photographs of fallen soldiers and historical archives for programs A50 and A80, collaborating with institutions such as FPT Polytechnic and the Hanoi Youth Union. He also participated in the MACHINA proposal project on the digital preservation of intangible cultural heritage with a collective of scientists from Darmstadt University of Technology, the University of Regensburg, Deutsches Museum, and various institutions across the EU.

Currently, through the COMEMO.VN platform he founded, the researcher is working to optimize AI technology for extracting ancient patterns, restoring historical photographs, and digitizing Đông Hồ paintings. For him, each project is not only a convergence of technology and art but also a commitment to preserving the nation’s cultural essence through the language of a new era.

Moderator Lưu Trọng Nhân - Founder of the Explorians Chất Việt project. He is also the founder and academic director of TELOS Academy, an institution specializing in training UI/UX Designers and other digital product-related disciplines, as well as an agency focusing on branding and character creation.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

Cà phê thứ Bảy is a non-profit project, and events are not ticketed. Before attending the program, guests are kindly requested to order a drink from the café’s menu. This revenue helps support venue costs, staffing, utilities, and other operational expenses to sustain the activities of Cà phê thứ Bảy.

In the event that the café’s motorbike parking area (free of charge) is full, guests are kindly asked to park at 01 Phan Kế Bính. We sincerely appreciate your understanding for this inconvenience.

The culture of Cà phê thứ Bảy emphasizes dialogue in a friendly, open, and respectful spirit. Participants are encouraged to share personal perspectives and present counterarguments if they disagree with the speaker’s views (or those of other participants), while always maintaining respect and refraining from personal attacks.

*This program is part of the Cà Phê Thứ Bảy series, a project founded and led by musician Dương Thụ, in collaboration with Trung Nguyên Coffee Group.