Clicks, Captures, and Cultural Conservation
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 16 - 22 September 2024
Xin chao! As we approach World Tourism Day on September 27, it’s a good time to reflect on the evolving relationship between tourism and archaeology. Many of you reading this have either visited or plan to visit Southeast Asia’s ancient wonders—whether it's the grandeur of Angkor Wat, the majesty of Borobudur, or the serene beauty of Wat Arun. Tourism has undeniably helped shine a global spotlight on these cultural sites, but it’s also transforming how we experience them.
This week’s stories look into how digital technology and visual storytelling are reshaping that experience, offering fresh perspectives on familiar landmarks.
First up is Angkor Wat, which was recently crowned Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO site. If you've scrolled through any travel blogs or social media, you’ve probably seen its iconic towers framed by golden sunrise hues. Even Cambodia’s Prime Minister proudly shared the news, though I sometimes wonder if the local media places too much emphasis on internet polls! Still, it is recognition of Angkor’s continued status as a cultural and visual icon, drawing tourists from around the world who are eager to capture their own piece of this heritage on camera.
Meanwhile, over in Thailand, Wat Arun—one of Bangkok’s most famous temples—is set to debut a 3D virtual experience in November. Through interactive VR, visitors will soon be able to explore hidden areas of the temple that are typically off-limits, like the intricate interior of Mondop Tis or the ornate tip of Phra Prang. And here’s my confession: despite having lived in Bangkok for a decade, I’ve never actually visited Wat Arun in person (I know, a travesty for someone writing this newsletter!) Perhaps this new digital tool will finally get me to explore its beauty—virtually, at least.
Lastly, the launch of the Museum of Looted Antiquities (MOLA) signals a different kind of digital storytelling, focusing on the often tragic journeys of artefacts stolen from their original contexts. Through this online museum, visitors can trace the dark histories of how these cultural treasures were illicitly trafficked and displaced, breaking their ties to the communities and stories they once represented. MOLA reminds us that while digital archives can offer new ways of understanding the past, some aspects—like the full context of an artefact's use or meaning—are lost forever when heritage is stripped from its origins.
Tourism has always played a big role in Southeast Asian archaeology, for better or worse. While it brings much-needed attention and resources to preservation efforts, it also raises important questions about authenticity, conservation, and access. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, it’s worth considering how new technologies—from virtual reality to digital museums—are expanding the ways we engage with these ancient sites, allowing us to see the past in ways we never could before.
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:
1,200-Year-Old Buddha Statue Uncovered in Kedah by Malaysian Archaeologist
via Tatler, 18 September 2024: Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, a Malaysian archaeologist, has made a groundbreaking discovery at Bukit Choras, Kedah, unearthing a 1,200-year-old Buddha statue. This find, along with other artefacts and inscriptions in Sanskrit, highlights the multicultural heritage of ancient Malaysia and provides insight into the region's Buddhist history, pre-dating famous sites like Angkor Wat and Borobudur.
Naga Buddha Statue Fragments Unearthed at Ta Prohm Temple
via Khmer Times, 18 September 2024: Archaeologists from the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India have discovered fragments of a Naga Buddha statue at Ta Prohm Temple. Found in the Dance Hall, these fragments, believed to belong to a seven-headed Naga Buddha, date back to a period of transition from Brahmanism to Mahayana Buddhism. Additional finds include other Buddha sculptures and pillars.New Online Museum Chronicles Return of Looted Artefacts
via The Art Newspaper, 16 September 2024: The Museum of Looted Antiquities (Mola) is a new digital platform tracking the histories of repatriated objects and exposing antiquities smuggling networks. Founded by Jason Felch, Mola compiles over a million artefacts, offering data to researchers, law enforcement, and the public. It highlights the ongoing repatriation efforts of looted antiquities while providing insight into the global black market for stolen cultural heritage.
Controversy Delays Borobudur Chattra Installation for New Research
via Jakarta Post, 16 September 2024: The Indonesian government has delayed installing a chattra atop Borobudur Temple’s stupa due to doubts about its historical authenticity. A new study will conduct archaeological and heritage impact assessments before proceeding, ensuring the structure aligns with UNESCO standards.
$126K Grant to Preserve Cambodia's Indigenous Kuy Heritage
via UH Press, 18 September 2024: Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received a $126,265 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to document the cultural heritage of Cambodia's Kuy communities. The project, co-directed by Professors Miriam Stark and Courtney Work, will train Kuy residents to document sacred sites and oral traditions, ensuring Indigenous perspectives guide the research.
Featured Books and Recommendations - Tourism and Archaeology
[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.
Tourism and Archaeology: Sustainable Meeting Grounds by Cameron Walker and Neil Carr (eds.)
Feasible Management of Archaeological Heritage Sites Open to Tourism by Douglas C. Comer and Annemarie Willems (eds.)
Heritage and Cultural Heritage Tourism: International Perspectives by Pei-Lin Yu, Thanik Lertcharnrit and George S. Smith (eds.)
The Heritage-scape: UNESCO, World Heritage, and Tourism by Michael A. Di Giovine
Cultural Heritage and Tourism in the Developing World: A Regional Perspective by Dallen J. Timothy and Gyan P. Nyaupane (eds.)
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.
via Scientific Reports, 18 September 2024: A morphometric study of ancient dingo remains from Lake Mungo and Lake Milkengay reveals that early dingoes were smaller than modern ones and share morphological links with East Asian and New Guinea dogs. 3D geometric morphometric analysis of a 3,000-year-old dingo skull provides the first evidence connecting early dingoes with their northern relatives, highlighting significant regional variation in dingo phenotypes over time.
See also: Phys.org
Announcements
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Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
Maritime Archaeology Forum at National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines, through its Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division, will host the MUCH Forum on September 27, 2024. The forum will feature lectures on maritime archaeology, artifact conservation, and underwater cultural heritage. Open to the public, the event will be held at the NMP Auditorium and streamed online via Zoom.Call for Proposals: Enhancing Ayutthaya World Heritage Records
UNESCO, in collaboration with Thailand's Fine Arts Department, seeks proposals to improve archives and records management at the Ayutthaya World Heritage Site. This initiative is part of a broader project to safeguard key documentary archives in Southeast Asia, with a focus on digitizing archives and upgrading storage facilities to protect against natural and man-made risks. Selected contractors will provide technical support, including digitization, facility upgrades, and expert consultations.[Job] Faculty, University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology of the University of the Philippines Diliman is looking full-time and part-time faculty. Deadline of applications is on 4 October 2024.
Upcoming Events
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Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
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)
27 September 2024: Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division Forum (Manila, Philippines and Online)
17 October 2024: Art, Diplomacy and the Projection of Power: The Thai Elephant Statues in Singapore, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City (Bangkok, Thailand)
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)
2026: The Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Ta Prohm’s Southern Gate Restoration Nears Completion
via Khmer Times, 20 September 2024: The Southern Gate of Ta Prohm Temple, which collapsed several years ago, is undergoing a major restoration led by the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India. Using the Anastylosis technique, around 95% of the original stones have been restored. The project adheres to ICC-Angkor guidelines and focuses on reinforcing the gate’s structure and foundation.Naga Buddha Statue Fragments Unearthed at Ta Prohm Temple
via Khmer Times, 18 September 2024: Archaeologists from the Apsara National Authority and the Archaeological Survey of India have discovered fragments of a Naga Buddha statue at Ta Prohm Temple. Found in the Dance Hall, these fragments, believed to belong to a seven-headed Naga Buddha, date back to a period of transition from Brahmanism to Mahayana Buddhism. Additional finds include other Buddha sculptures and pillars.$126K Grant to Preserve Cambodia's Indigenous Kuy Heritage
via UH Press, 18 September 2024: Researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa received a $126,265 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to document the cultural heritage of Cambodia's Kuy communities. The project, co-directed by Professors Miriam Stark and Courtney Work, will train Kuy residents to document sacred sites and oral traditions, ensuring Indigenous perspectives guide the research.Koh Ker's World Heritage Status Spurs Restoration Priorities
via Khmer Times, 17 September 2024: Following its World Heritage listing in September 2023, Cambodia’s Koh Ker Temple Complex will see intensified restoration efforts. With 17 of its 30 temples at risk of collapse, structures like Prasat Thom and Prasat Banteay Pir Choan are now prioritized for urgent conservation under the National Authority for Preah Vihear.
See also: Phnom Penh PostCambodia’s Angkor Wat Crowned Most Photogenic UNESCO Site
via Khmer Times, 17 September 2024: Angkor Wat has been named Asia’s most photogenic UNESCO site by Times Travel, surpassing iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. This recognition emphasizes Angkor Wat’s visual beauty and boosts Cambodia’s status as a cultural hub.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Borobudur’s Renovation Boosts Tourism with New Facilities
via VOI.ID, 20 September 2024: The restructuring of the Borobudur Temple area in Central Java is now complete, clearing the site of traders and tourist parking. The newly opened Borobudur Museum and Art Village will enhance tourism with improved parking, cultural activities, and local businesses. This decades-long project is expected to boost both tourist visits and the local economy, supported by new infrastructure like the Semarang-Yogyakarta Toll Road and direct flights from Thailand.Borobudur's New Masterplan Focuses on Spirituality and Sustainability
via VOI.ID, 18 September 2024: InJourney and its subsidiary PT Taman Wisata Candi are implementing a re-master plan to transform Borobudur into a world-class tourism destination. The plan focuses on four pillars—spirituality, conservation, education, and tourism—ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for Borobudur. Strategic projects include creating green spaces, establishing a Borobudur Spiritual Sanctuary, and enhancing visitor experiences with new cultural and educational facilities.Controversy Delays Borobudur Chattra Installation for New Research
via Jakarta Post, 16 September 2024: The Indonesian government has delayed installing a chattra atop Borobudur Temple’s stupa due to doubts about its historical authenticity. A new study will conduct archaeological and heritage impact assessments before proceeding, ensuring the structure aligns with UNESCO standards.
New Method Unveils Earliest Narrative Art in Indonesia
via The Past, 12 September 2024: New analysis using laser-ablation uranium-series imaging has revealed the world’s oldest known figurative art at the Leang Karampuang cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating to 51,200 years ago. This discovery, along with earlier findings from Leang Bulu’ Sipong 4, pushes back the timeline of human art and storytelling, suggesting such developments occurred much earlier than previously believed.
Laos
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Laos]
Ancient Jars of the Dead Discovered in Laos’ Remote Forests
via All That’s Interesting, 15 September 2024: Archaeologists from the Australian National University discovered 137 giant stone jars in remote forests of Laos, believed to be over 1,000 years old. These new sites add to the mystery of the "Jars of the Dead," ancient burial artifacts found on the Plain of Jars. While the jars' purpose and the people who used them remain unknown, the discovery of miniature clay replicas, carved discs, and other artifacts raises intriguing questions about burial customs in the region.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
1,200-Year-Old Buddha Statue Uncovered in Kedah by Malaysian Archaeologist
via Tatler, 18 September 2024: Dr. Nasha Rodziadi Khaw, a Malaysian archaeologist, has made a groundbreaking discovery at Bukit Choras, Kedah, unearthing a 1,200-year-old Buddha statue. This find, along with other artefacts and inscriptions in Sanskrit, highlights the multicultural heritage of ancient Malaysia and provides insight into the region's Buddhist history, pre-dating famous sites like Angkor Wat and Borobudur.
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Bagan’s Heritage at Risk: Threatened by Natural and Human Activities
via Myanmar Pressphoto Agency, 19 September 2024: Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is facing potential delisting due to severe damage from recent natural disasters and harmful human activities, including government mismanagement and non-native reforestation. The collapse of ancient stupas after record-breaking rainfall in September 2024 highlights the ongoing deterioration of Bagan’s cultural landscape, raising concerns about the site’s preservation and authenticity.Bagan’s Temples Require Master Plans for Sustained Conservation
via Ministry of Information, 16 September 2024: Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has called for master plans to ensure the long-term preservation of Bagan's ancient pagodas. Recent heavy rains damaged significant structures like Shwezigon Pagoda, prompting officials to emphasize sustainable restoration and the importance of retaining original features.Bagan Pagodas Damaged as Myanmar Faces Heavy Rains
via India Tribune, 16 September 2024: Heavy rains in Myanmar’s Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have damaged several ancient pagodas, including Shwezigon and Thatbyinnyu. A record 216 mm of rainfall, the highest in 60 years, caused significant structural damage, prompting an inspection by officials.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
Maritime Archaeology Forum at National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines, through its Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division, will host the MUCH Forum on September 27, 2024. The forum will feature lectures on maritime archaeology, artifact conservation, and underwater cultural heritage. Open to the public, the event will be held at the NMP Auditorium and streamed online via Zoom.[Job] Faculty, University of the Philippines Diliman Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology of the University of the Philippines Diliman is looking full-time and part-time faculty. Deadline of applications is on 4 October 2024.
Uncovering the Filipino Past: What Archaeology Reveals
via Manila Bulletin, 15 September 2024: Recent archaeological discoveries in the Philippines, including the 709,000-year-old butchered rhinoceros in Kalinga and the 67,000-year-old Homo luzonensis from Callao Cave, reshape our understanding of the region’s prehistoric past. These findings reveal early human presence and complex societies in the archipelago, long before colonization. By exploring these artifacts, archaeologists help reconstruct a rich Filipino identity, deeply rooted in history.
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
National Museum of Singapore Begins Restoration for Wear and Tear
via Xinhua, 18 September 2024: The National Museum of Singapore is undergoing restoration to address common wear and tear issues in the building. Workers are repairing walls and replacing deteriorated materials, with modern restoration techniques, including updated bricks, used to preserve the historic structure.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Call for Proposals: Enhancing Ayutthaya World Heritage Records
UNESCO, in collaboration with Thailand's Fine Arts Department, seeks proposals to improve archives and records management at the Ayutthaya World Heritage Site. This initiative is part of a broader project to safeguard key documentary archives in Southeast Asia, with a focus on digitizing archives and upgrading storage facilities to protect against natural and man-made risks. Selected contractors will provide technical support, including digitization, facility upgrades, and expert consultations.Wat Arun Unveils Interactive VR Experience for Visitors
via Thai PBS, 16 September 2024: From November 2024, visitors to Wat Arun can explore the temple’s inaccessible areas through an interactive VR game, developed by the Institute of Thai Studies. The multiplayer experience reveals hidden features like the interior of Mondop Tis and Phra Prang’s ornate tip, blending education with entertainment.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
via Scientific Reports, 18 September 2024: A morphometric study of ancient dingo remains from Lake Mungo and Lake Milkengay reveals that early dingoes were smaller than modern ones and share morphological links with East Asian and New Guinea dogs. 3D geometric morphometric analysis of a 3,000-year-old dingo skull provides the first evidence connecting early dingoes with their northern relatives, highlighting significant regional variation in dingo phenotypes over time.
See also: Phys.org
New Online Museum Chronicles Return of Looted Artefacts
via The Art Newspaper, 16 September 2024: The Museum of Looted Antiquities (Mola) is a new digital platform tracking the histories of repatriated objects and exposing antiquities smuggling networks. Founded by Jason Felch, Mola compiles over a million artefacts, offering data to researchers, law enforcement, and the public. It highlights the ongoing repatriation efforts of looted antiquities while providing insight into the global black market for stolen cultural heritage.