VHM_0024

Descriptive title

Green stone

Initial context

"Re-education" Camp

Date

1982

Object type(s)

Tool/Equipment

Material(s)

Stone

Description

This green stone was forced into the mouth of Trần Thắng Tài shortly before his execution by firing squad on the morning of June 14, 1982 at Hàm Kiệm in Phan Thiết, Vietnam. The stone was used to muffle any cries during his execution; it dislodged several of his teeth (see VHM_0025 for the related artifact). Trần Thắng Tài had been imprisoned in a Communist "re-education" camp since 1977/78 for leading a rebellion against the Communist regime after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Collection

Vietnamese Heritage Museum

Donor(s)

Trần Ngọc Ánh

Current location

Vietnamese Heritage Museum

Rights description

Object donated to the Vietnamese Heritage Museum by Trần Ngọc Ánh, in honor of her late husband, Trần Thắng Tài.