This edition of Southeast Asian Archaeology is a bit of a downer, so apologies in advance. We start with the loss of one our beloved friend and colleague, Victor J. Paz who sadly left us on Saturday. Sir Vic was a leader in Philippine and Southeast Asian Archaeology. I’ve interacted with him several times, but never had the chance to work with him professionally. He was an inspirational academic and a gentleman, who nurtured many Philippine and also international colleagues over the decades. Victor was pivotal in several of the main archaeological institutions of the Philippines - the UP School of Archaeology and the Hukay Journal, and he directed some long-running projects including the Palawan Island Palaeohistoric Research Project and the Catanauan Archaeological and Heritage Project. He is missed by his family and many friends, colleagues and students. There are numerous tributes to him floating around on Facebook, here is just a selection:
For anyone in Philippines who would like to attend, the wake is on 9 and 10 September, from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, at 61 Agoncillo St., Area 1, UP Campus, Diliman, QC. If you have a memory or tribute to him that you would like to share, feel free to leave a comment here. As I have done in the past before, I’ll create an obituary page and collect these tributes on the website as a web memorial.
In other news, and one that seems to have slipped under the radar this week, was a contentious meeting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was hosting a delegation from Cambodia in a tour arranged by the US State Department. Brad Gordon, the attorney who is working with the Cambodian government for the repatriation of looted artefacts was part of the delegation, but was unceremoniously blocked from attending the meeting between museum officials and the Cambodian delegation. There was no explanation for the ejection other than Mr Gordon was “not invited” to the meeting, despite being part of the delegation. It is a bad look for the Met, especially since the museum is in negotiations with Cambodia on the return of more, presumably looted, artefacts.
Elsewhere in Bali, a study by climate risk firm Climate X assessed all the World Heritage sites and identified the 50 most at risk to climate change - among them are the rice terraces of Bali. The Subak irrigation system, recognised as world heritage cultural landscape, is vulnerable to drought, extreme heat and flooding. The news received quite a bit of international coverage, but I can’t seem to find a copy of the actual climate report.
More news updates below from all over the region, including some newly-published research and a job posting from Singapore. This past week I also gained some new supporters - shoutout to Charles and Julia, and also a generous coffee infusion from the Tracing Patterns foundation. Many thanks for the support!
And now, on to the news:
Contents
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Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Filipino Archaeologist Victor Paz Passes Away at 57
via Inquirer, 07 September 2024: Renowned Filipino archaeologist Prof. Victor J. Paz has passed away at age 57. A former director of the UP Archaeological Studies Program and a founding member of the Kapisanan ng mga Arkeologist ng Pilipinas, Dr. Paz was instrumental in advancing Southeast Asian and Pacific archaeology and mentoring future archaeologists in the Philippines.See also: Rappler
Muaro Jambi Temple: 3D Recreation Reveals Ancient Complex
via Ensane Studio, 29 August 2024: A 3D recreation of Muaro Jambi reveals its temple complex layout, featuring main structures, gates, and surrounding ditches to prevent flooding. These findings suggest a hybrid construction method and provide insights into the religious and storage functions of the temples, highlighting Muaro Jambi's architectural uniqueness compared to Java.Ancient Han Poetry Found in Indonesian Forest
via National Geographic Indonesia, 01 September 2024: A rare Han script inscription was discovered by villagers in a forest near Lasem, Rembang, Indonesia. The inscription, found alongside two neglected Chinese-style graves, highlights a tradition of carving poetic calligraphy in Han script. This practice, deeply rooted in Chinese culture since the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, served to convey messages of power, victory, and reflection. The Lasem find is significant, given the scarcity of such inscriptions in Indonesia, offering insights into the cultural exchanges between China and the archipelago. Article is in Indonesian.
[Paper] Mortuary rituals and social change from the Neolithic to the Iron Age in Thailand
via Asian Archaeology, 05 Setember 2024: Open Access paper by Prof. Charles Higham. Excavations in Central and Northeast Thailand reveal burial patterns spanning 3,000 years, reflecting social changes from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Mortuary practices evolved alongside the introduction of farming, bronze metallurgy, and iron. Nucleated burials often signaled the rise of social elites, linked to trade and technological advances, eventually leading to early state societies like Dvaravati. The study shows that burial styles in Thailand shifted with environmental and cultural changes, offering insights into the social complexity of these early communities.
[Paper] This Little Piggy: Pig-Human Entanglement in the Philippines
via International Journal of Historic Archaeology, 02 September 2024: Paper by Lingao et al. explores the role of pigs in Filipino culture, foodways, and history, with evidence showing the assimilation of exotic breeds into the local swine population from pre-Hispanic and colonial times. Imported pigs, originating from Asia and Europe, interbred with native breeds and became integral to the Filipino diet, rituals, and traditions. The study highlights the deep entanglement between pigs and humans in the Philippines, explored through archaeology, genetics, and ethnography.
Featured Books and Recommendations - Cultural Heritage Laws
[Back to Contents]
Some of the links below are affiliate links which mean I may get a commission if you click on them and make a purchase.
Conservation of Kampong Ayer as a Living Heritage under Brunei Law by Suniya Taimour
Vietnams Law on Cultural Heritage by Quang Tran
Rights to Culture: Heritage, Language and Community in Thailand by Coeli Barry
Culture and International Law: Proceedings of the International Conference of the Centre for International Law Studies (CILS 2018) by Hikmahanto Juwana, Jeffrey Thomas, Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli and Dhiana Puspitawati (eds.)
Prosecuting the Destruction of Cultural Property in International Criminal Law: With a Case Study on the Khmer Rouge’s Destruction of Cambodia’s Heritage by Caroline Ehlert
New Research
[Back to Contents]
If you have a newly-published paper that you wish to publicise, contact me and I’ll add it into the next newsletter.
[Paper] Moated site object detection using time series satellite imagery and an improved deep learning model in northeast Thailand
via Journal of Archaeological Science, 07 September 2024: Yang et al. present a new deep learning model utilizing time series satellite imagery, which has achieved 100% detection of moated sites in a test of 100 locations in Northeast Thailand. The model, which combines multispectral and vegetation data, identified 116 probable moated sites in the region, and smaller clusters across Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.[Paper] Mortuary rituals and social change from the Neolithic to the Iron Age in Thailand
via Asian Archaeology, 05 Setember 2024: Open Access paper by Prof. Charles Higham. Excavations in Central and Northeast Thailand reveal burial patterns spanning 3,000 years, reflecting social changes from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Mortuary practices evolved alongside the introduction of farming, bronze metallurgy, and iron. Nucleated burials often signaled the rise of social elites, linked to trade and technological advances, eventually leading to early state societies like Dvaravati. The study shows that burial styles in Thailand shifted with environmental and cultural changes, offering insights into the social complexity of these early communities.
[Paper] This Little Piggy: Pig-Human Entanglement in the Philippines
via International Journal of Historic Archaeology, 02 September 2024: Paper by Lingao et al. explores the role of pigs in Filipino culture, foodways, and history, with evidence showing the assimilation of exotic breeds into the local swine population from pre-Hispanic and colonial times. Imported pigs, originating from Asia and Europe, interbred with native breeds and became integral to the Filipino diet, rituals, and traditions. The study highlights the deep entanglement between pigs and humans in the Philippines, explored through archaeology, genetics, and ethnography.
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Job] Curator, Maritime Archaeology, Asian Civilisations Museum
Opportunity at the Asian Civilisations Museum focusing on maritime archaeology. Deadline is 20 September 2024.
Upcoming Events
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
10 September 2024: Searching for Borneo in British Museums: The Impact of Colonial Collecting (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia)
12-13 September 2024: ASEAN Museum Forum 2024 (Bangkok, Thailand)
23-26 September 2024: International Forum on the Spice Route (Jakarta, Indonesia)
25 September 2024: The Second Cambridge History of Southeast Asia: Charting the Future of Southeast Asian History (Singapore and Online)
3-6 November 2024: 9th ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium ATTS 9 (Vientiane, Laos)
11-29 November 2024: CollAsia 2024 (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
17-19 July 2025: Decolonization of Southeast Asian Studies Workshop (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
8 - 13 September 2025: The Fourth Conference of European Association for Asian Art and Archaeology (Lisbon, Portugal)
Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]
Sunken WWII Ships in Southeast Asia: A Rising Diplomatic Issue
via History Today, 09 September 2024: Southeast Asia's waters hold around 2,000 sunken WWII warships, now emerging as significant but neglected heritage sites. These wrecks, lying in the territorial waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste, present complex challenges due to political sensitivities, environmental threats, and issues like illegal salvaging. Efforts to preserve these sites are crucial as they hold historical, emotional, and diplomatic significance.
Rijksmuseum Showcases 4,000 Years of Asian Bronze Art
via Asian Art Newspaper, 27 August 2024: The Rijksmuseum's autumn exhibition showcases 75 bronze works spanning 4,000 years from across Asia, including Southeast Asian contributions from Thailand and Indonesia. The thematic display highlights the unique techniques and cultural exchanges behind these masterpieces, including religious artifacts like Buddha statues and ritual objects. Notable pieces from Bangkok’s National Museum are shown outside of Thailand for the first time.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Angkor Archaeologists Uncover 13th-Century Sandstone Guardian
via Artnet, 06 September 2024: A centuries-old dvarapala, or guardian statue, was unearthed last month at Cambodia's remote Banteay Prei Temple in the Angkor archaeological park. The 5-foot-tall sandstone statue, dating to the late 1200s, was buried near the temple's gate and will be preserved at the Preah Norodom Sihanouk-Angkor Museum.Phnom Bakheng Restoration Nears Completion in 2024
via Khmer Times, 06 September 2024: Restoration work on Phnom Bakheng Temple's second-level southwest wall, heavily damaged by natural erosion, continues in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund and the Apsara National Authority. Nearly 90% of the wall is affected, with completion expected by the end of 2024. This project began in 2019.
See also: XinhuaCrumbling O Pha-ong Temple Undergoing Major Repairs
via Khmer Times, 05 September 2024: The Apsara National Authority is restoring O Pha-ong Temple at Phnom Kulen, Siem Reap, addressing structural damage caused by cracks, moisture, and vegetation. The 8th-century brick temple, built during King Jayavarman II's reign, is part of a larger historical complex, and the repairs will focus on stabilizing walls, removing invasive trees, and reinforcing the structure.UNESCO Workshop Focuses on Expanding Cambodia's Heritage List
via UNESCO, 05 September 2024: Cambodia participated in a UNESCO workshop in Bangkok last month to update its World Heritage Tentative List. Representatives collaborated with regional experts to propose new mixed heritage sites, focusing on categories like 20th Century heritage and living landscapes. The workshop is part of a broader training program for improving heritage nominations.Angkor Park to Introduce Automatic Ticketing for Easier Access
via Khmer Times, 05 September 2024: Angkor Park will soon install automatic ticket vending machines to simplify the ticketing process for tourists, reducing wait times and making it easier for independent travelers. The new system will also group temples into 17 ticket categories and allow tourists to pass through the area without a ticket unless visiting a temple. By next year, further improvements are expected, including online ticketing and a simplified entry process.Angkor Temples Undergo Extensive Restoration to Preserve Heritage
via Khmer Times, 05 September 2024: The Apsara National Authority continues the ongoing restoration of numerous ancient temples in Siem Reap, including Bayon, Bakong, and Preah Khan. Restoration is guided by conservation plans that prioritize damaged areas, addressing natural wear, plant roots, and aging structures. Despite challenges such as limited budgets and weather, ANA is committed to preserving these cultural landmarks.China Offers Technical Support for Siem Reap’s Beng Mealea Temple
via Khmer Times, 05 September 2024: China has offered technical assistance to restore Beng Mealea Temple in Cambodia’s Angkor Park. This cooperation was discussed during a meeting between Cambodian officials and a Chinese delegation, reflecting growing collaboration in tourism, culture, and infrastructure development.Met Ejects Lawyer Advocating for Return of Khmer Artifacts
via ICIJ, 04 September 2024: In a tense encounter, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art expelled Brad Gordon, a lawyer representing Cambodia, from a meeting with Cambodian cultural officials regarding the return of Khmer artifacts. Gordon, a key advocate in Cambodia’s campaign to reclaim looted treasures, was reportedly barred from the meeting without explanation. This comes as Cambodia continues its efforts to recover more Khmer artifacts from the Met, following previous repatriations.Visitors to Angkor Warned of Falling Tree Risks During Rainy Season
via Khmer Times, 03 September 2024: The APSARA Authority has warned visitors to the Angkor complex in Siem Reap to exercise caution during the rainy season due to the risk of falling trees and branches caused by strong winds and storms. Tourists and drivers are advised not to park or stop under trees to avoid potential injuries or property damage.National Museum of the Philippines Hosts Lecture on Khmer Ceramics by Japanese Expert
via Manila Standard, 02 September 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines will host a lecture on Khmer ceramics by Dr. Yukitsugu Tabata from Waseda University, Japan. The lecture, titled "Introduction to Khmer Stoneware: The Oldest Stoneware Industry in Southeast Asia," will explore the history and significance of Khmer ceramics in trade across Southeast Asia. The event is free and will take place on September 5 at the National Museum of Anthropology.Angkor Archaeological Park Rakes in $30M as Tourism Surges
via Khmer Times, 02 September 2024: Cambodia's Angkor Archaeological Park generated over $30 million in revenue from ticket sales during the first eight months of 2024, marking a 31.3% increase from the previous year. The site attracted 651,857 international tourists, with the top markets being the United States, Britain, France, South Korea, and China. The increase in visitors and revenue is partly attributed to the new Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and the Cambodia-China exchange year.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Bali’s Iconic Subak Rice Fields at Risk from Climate Change
via Straits Times, 07 September 2024: Bali's ancient subak rice fields, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to climate change, as noted in a Climate X study. The subak system faces threats from extreme weather, shrinking water supply, and competition with tourism. Experts urge interventions such as ecotourism and government support to preserve this cultural heritage and ensure subak's survival.Ancient Han Poetry Found in Indonesian Forest
via National Geographic Indonesia, 01 September 2024: A rare Han script inscription was discovered by villagers in a forest near Lasem, Rembang, Indonesia. The inscription, found alongside two neglected Chinese-style graves, highlights a tradition of carving poetic calligraphy in Han script. This practice, deeply rooted in Chinese culture since the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, served to convey messages of power, victory, and reflection. The Lasem find is significant, given the scarcity of such inscriptions in Indonesia, offering insights into the cultural exchanges between China and the archipelago. Article is in Indonesian.
[Podcast] Palaeolithic Cave Art
BBC, 30 August 2024: You’re Dead to Me is a comedy-history podcast by the BBC that is on my regular podcast playlist - I was pleasantly surprised to hear a recent episode about Palaeolithic Cave Art which mentions the oldest figurative art from Sulawesi.
Muaro Jambi Temple: 3D Recreation Reveals Ancient Complex
via Ensane Studio, 29 August 2024: A 3D recreation of Muaro Jambi reveals its temple complex layout, featuring main structures, gates, and surrounding ditches to prevent flooding. These findings suggest a hybrid construction method and provide insights into the religious and storage functions of the temples, highlighting Muaro Jambi's architectural uniqueness compared to Java.
Laos
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Laos]
9th ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium
The 9th ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium (ATTS 9) will be held in Vientiane, Laos from November 3-6, 2024. Registration is now open.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
UTM Team Secures UNESCO Status for Niah Cave Complex
via UITM, 04 September 2024: The successful nomination of the Niah Caves was led by the Tourism Planning Research Group from UTM. The site joins Malaysia's other prestigious listings like Kinabalu Park and Lenggong Valley, representing a significant achievement for the country and the state of Sarawak.Bidong Shipwreck Artifacts Highlight Malaysia's Maritime History
via Bernama, 03 September 2024: Pulau Bidong, an island rich in both cultural heritage and biodiversity, is the focus of new efforts in underwater archaeology led by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The Bidong Summit 3.0 highlighted the importance of preserving the island’s underwater cultural heritage, including the establishment of Malaysia's first National Underwater Archaeology Training Centre. The program also highlighted the significance of protecting artifacts from the Bidong Shipwreck, which reveal historical trade links with ancient Thai kingdoms and China.
Francis Light's Jawi Letters Digitized and Accessible Online
via The Vibes, 03 September 024: Universiti Sains Malaysia now offers online access to the world’s largest collection of Malay manuscripts—Francis Light’s letters—through a collaboration with SOAS, University of London. This digital archive includes 1,200 letters in Jawi, shedding light on trade, diplomacy, and Penang’s history during Light's era. The letters, exchanged between Light and Malay rulers, traders, and dignitaries, offer valuable insights into the 18th-century Malay Archipelago and the early years of Penang as a British trading post.
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Restoration Work Revives King Pyinpya’s Palace Moat in Bagan
via Ministry of Information, 02 September 2024: Restoration and excavation efforts have resumed at the eastern moat of King Pyinpya’s Palace in Bagan, a site of great historical importance within Myanmar’s World Heritage-listed Bagan Ancient Cultural Zone. Archaeologists aim to reveal the moat's original position and structure, continuing work that was last undertaken in 1990.
Bagan Pagoda Views Restored with Heritage Area Cleanup
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 01 September 2024: A new phase of cleaning has begun in the C and E areas of Bagan's World Heritage Site, focusing on clearing bushes and stumps that obscure views of ancient pagodas. Following the successful cleanup of 11 areas, visitors will soon enjoy unseen views of Bagan’s iconic temples.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
Filipino Archaeologist Victor Paz Passes Away at 57
via Inquirer, 07 September 2024: Renowned Filipino archaeologist Prof. Victor J. Paz has passed away at age 57. A former director of the UP Archaeological Studies Program and a founding member of the Kapisanan ng mga Arkeologist ng Pilipinas, Dr. Paz was instrumental in advancing Southeast Asian and Pacific archaeology and mentoring future archaeologists in the Philippines.See also: Rappler
National Museum of the Philippines Hosts Lecture on Khmer Ceramics by Japanese Expert
via Manila Standard, 02 September 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines will host a lecture on Khmer ceramics by Dr. Yukitsugu Tabata from Waseda University, Japan. The lecture, titled "Introduction to Khmer Stoneware: The Oldest Stoneware Industry in Southeast Asia," will explore the history and significance of Khmer ceramics in trade across Southeast Asia. The event is free and will take place on September 5 at the National Museum of Anthropology.[Paper] This Little Piggy: Pig-Human Entanglement in the Philippines
via International Journal of Historic Archaeology, 02 September 2024: Paper by Lingao et al. explores the role of pigs in Filipino culture, foodways, and history, with evidence showing the assimilation of exotic breeds into the local swine population from pre-Hispanic and colonial times. Imported pigs, originating from Asia and Europe, interbred with native breeds and became integral to the Filipino diet, rituals, and traditions. The study highlights the deep entanglement between pigs and humans in the Philippines, explored through archaeology, genetics, and ethnography.
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
[Job] Curator, Maritime Archaeology, Asian Civilisations Museum
Opportunity at the Asian Civilisations Museum focusing on maritime archaeology. Deadline is 20 September 2024.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Typhoon Clouds Obscure Phanom Rung's Famous Sunrise
via Bangkok Post, 08 September 2024: Typhoon Yagi obscured the famous sunrise at Phanom Rung temple in Buri Ram, Thailand, where 200 visitors gathered to witness the sunrise through the temple's 15 gates. Despite cloudy skies, tourists remained enthusiastic and planned to return the next two mornings for another chance to see the rare spectacle, which occurs twice a year.[Paper] Moated site object detection using time series satellite imagery and an improved deep learning model in northeast Thailand
via Journal of Archaeological Science, 07 September 2024: Yang et al. present a new deep learning model utilizing time series satellite imagery, which has achieved 100% detection of moated sites in a test of 100 locations in Northeast Thailand. The model, which combines multispectral and vegetation data, identified 116 probable moated sites in the region, and smaller clusters across Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.[Paper] Mortuary rituals and social change from the Neolithic to the Iron Age in Thailand
via Asian Archaeology, 05 Setember 2024: Open Access paper by Prof. Charles Higham. Excavations in Central and Northeast Thailand reveal burial patterns spanning 3,000 years, reflecting social changes from the Neolithic to the Iron Age. Mortuary practices evolved alongside the introduction of farming, bronze metallurgy, and iron. Nucleated burials often signaled the rise of social elites, linked to trade and technological advances, eventually leading to early state societies like Dvaravati. The study shows that burial styles in Thailand shifted with environmental and cultural changes, offering insights into the social complexity of these early communities.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Vĩnh Hưng Tower: A National Treasure of Ancient Vietnam
via Viet Nam News, 08 September 2024: The Vĩnh Hưng Tower in Bạc Liêu Province is the last remaining structure from the Óc Eo Culture, dating from the 1st to 8th centuries. Recognized as a "Special National Heritage Site" in 2023, the tower is architecturally distinct from the Champa style, and holds artefacts like lingas and yonis. Excavations have uncovered important artefacts, including national treasures.Quang Nam Proposes Lead Agency for My Son Tower F Preservation
via Vietnam.vn, 04 September 2024: Quang Nam province is coordinating the restoration of My Son’s F Tower, with a focus on selecting a lead agency for the project. This initiative follows a Letter of Intent signed between Vietnam and India during the Prime Minister's visit to India. The project builds on successful past collaborations between both nations, including the restoration of other My Son tower groups.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
[Podcast] Palaeolithic Cave Art
BBC, 30 August 2024: You’re Dead to Me is a comedy-history podcast by the BBC that is on my regular podcast playlist - I was pleasantly surprised to hear a recent episode about Palaeolithic Cave Art which mentions the oldest figurative art from Sulawesi.
Rijksmuseum Showcases 4,000 Years of Asian Bronze Art
via Asian Art Newspaper, 27 August 2024: The Rijksmuseum's autumn exhibition showcases 75 bronze works spanning 4,000 years from across Asia, including Southeast Asian contributions from Thailand and Indonesia. The thematic display highlights the unique techniques and cultural exchanges behind these masterpieces, including religious artifacts like Buddha statues and ritual objects. Notable pieces from Bangkok’s National Museum are shown outside of Thailand for the first time.
So sad to lose Victor Paz! I have been working with him to institute a survey on the northeast coast of Panay, and knew that his health was deteriorating. Tragic. Besides being an excellent archaeologist, he was a delightful Human Being and will be sorely missed on both counts.
Michael R Oberndorf, M.A., RPA