Bananas, Borobudur, and Buried Treasures
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 30 September - 06 October 2024
Selamat Pagi! It’s a quieter week in Southeast Asian Archaeology—perhaps in part due to Cambodia’s Pchum Ben festival. During this 15-day period, Cambodians honor their ancestors by visiting pagodas and making offerings, ensuring the spirits of the departed are well cared for. There is definitely a lull in archaeological reports from Cambodia, which is typically a hotbed of activity.
Elsewhere in the region, however, there’s plenty to talk about. Borobudur has been making headlines thanks to Indonesia’s efforts to transform it into a world-class destination for spiritual, cultural, and educational tourism. As part of a massive national revitalization plan, new infrastructure, green spaces, and even a meditation sanctuary are being developed to draw millions of visitors from around the globe. With direct flights from Thailand and new visitor facilities, this ancient temple complex is poised to become not just a tourist magnet, but a hub for local communities.
On the botanical front, a fascinating study on the genetics of Musa species (bananas) provides new insights into plant domestication in Southeast Asia. While rice usually dominates discussions about ancient agriculture, this research highlights the region as a key centre for banana diversity. Species like Musa balbisiana, now considered domesticated, owe much of their distribution to human activity. In contrast, species such as Musa yunnanensis remain wild. The study’s findings are critical not only for understanding the region’s agricultural history but also for conservation efforts, as many wild relatives of cultivated bananas face threats from habitat loss. It’s a reminder of just how diverse bananas are in Southeast Asia. My colleagues from abroad frequently comment on the sheer variety of bananas here, something I have taken for graned when living here.
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the Golden Linga of Binh Thuan has been officially declared a national treasure. Discovered at the Po Dam Tower Relic Site and dating back to the 8th-9th century, this artifact is part of the religious heritage of the Cham people. The announcement coincides with the Kate Festival, a celebration of Cham Brahmanism that includes traditional rituals, craft demonstrations, and folk games. The Golden Linga’s recognition not only adds to its historical significance but also highlights the deep connection between archaeology and living cultural traditions.
And finally, on Sunday evening after I had finished writing this newsletter, I saw a Facebook post about the defacement of a rock art site in Ubon Ratchathani province in Thailand:
I think the person responsible for putting a golden frame around the rock art had good intentions and was trying to draw attention to the faded hand prints, but in doing so they destroyed the integrity of the site and likely destroyed some faded images. This is a terrible destruction of a rock art site, because it is close to impossible to undo this damage :(
Before we dive into the stories this week, I want to take a moment to give a huge thank you to my new supporter, XY! Your contribution helps keep these dispatches coming, and I’m incredibly grateful. To all of our past and present supporters, you have my deepest appreciation—this newsletter wouldn't be possible without you. And, of course, a big shoutout to all 2,100+ subscribers for reading along each week. Whether you're here for the archaeology, the cultural insights, or just the quirky headlines, thank you for being part of this journey.
And now, on to the news:
Contents
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter and Website is supported in part by many generous readers, colleagues and friends. You can support by buying me a coffee.
Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Workshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia
via India Foundation: A workshop on 28 October 2024 organized by India Foundation will explore the "Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia". This event in New Delhi aims to examine the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges between Kalinga and the Champa territory, revealing their shared cultural heritage. The workshop will bring together historians, archaeologists, and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Kalinga’s influence on Champa and Southeast Asia. This dialogue seeks to foster further research into the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia. It seems the workshop is by invitation only.
Over 10,000 Ancient Artefacts Unearthed from China’s Sanxingdui Ruins
via South China Morning Post, 28 September 2024: Archaeologists at China’s Sanxingdui ruins in Sichuan have uncovered over 10,000 artefacts, including bronze vessels, gold masks, jade, and shells. The discoveries, made in two pits, were buried beneath hundreds of elephant tusks, seemingly to conceal the relics. One pit, the largest in the ritual area, dates to between 1117 and 1015 BCE, coinciding with the late Shang dynasty. These remarkable finds, including 7,400 ceremonial items, shed light on a little-known culture that thrived over 3,000 years ago.via Quaternary Environments and Humans, 17 August 2024: A recent study by Zeitoun et al.from Laang Spean Cave in Cambodia integrates environmental and cultural data, highlighting the Hoabinhian culture's adaptability between 12900 and 5000 cal BP. The cave yielded human, faunal, and lithic remains, offering insights into how the Hoabinhian people utilized diverse habitats, including humid forests and wetlands. The lithic assemblage shows a continuity in tool production strategies, reflecting subtle technological adaptations over time. These findings contribute significantly to understanding human-environment interactions in Southeast Asia, including responses to climatic changes during the Quaternary period.
The Symbolism of Borobudur: An Icon of Indonesian Buddhism
via SBS Indonesia, 30 Sep 2024 – Podcast episode on Borobudur Temple in Central Java, built during the Shailendra Dynasty in the 8th century. As a key site in Indonesian Buddhism, the temple symbolizes the journey toward spiritual enlightenment through its ten tiers, starting from Kamadhatu (desire), Rupadhatu (form), and culminating in Arupadhatu (formlessness). Borobudur's structure features over two million pieces of andesite rock and represents the Buddhist view of the universe.
Featured Books and Recommendations - Indonesia
[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.
Majapahit: Intrigue, Betrayal and War in Indonesia’s Greatest Empire
by Herald van der Linde
Majapahit: Sculptures from a Forgotten Kingdom by Agus Aris Munandar
Belitung: The Afterlives of a Shipwreck by Natali Pearson
Mapping Bali: ISLAND • CULTURE • PEOPLE by Bruce Granquist
The Dutch and English East India Companies: Diplomacy, Trade and Violence in Early Modern Asia by Adam Clulow and Tristan Mostert (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.
[Paper] Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia: From wild to domesticate
via PLOS One, 02 October 2024: A study by Jenny et al. on Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia reveals significant genetic diversity, highlighting the region as a key center for wild banana species. Researchers collected 208 specimens from Vietnam, Laos, and China, discovering that human activity has influenced the distribution of species like Musa balbisiana, which is now considered domesticated. In contrast, species such as Musa yunnanensis remain largely wild. The study emphasizes the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect these wild relatives, which are crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing banana crops’ resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.
See also: Phys.org[Paper] American sweet potato and Asia-Pacific crop experimentation during early colonisation of temperate-climate Aotearoa/New Zealand
via Antiquity, 26 September 2024: New research from the M24/11 site in Aotearoa/New Zealand reveals that the American sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) was cultivated as early as the 14th century, playing a key role in Māori agriculture during early colonization. Despite cooler climates, sweet potato persisted while taro and yam declined after a post-1650 climate downturn. This crop adaptability highlights the significance of sweet potato in Polynesian migration and settlement, contrasting with the predominant Asia-Pacific crops in the region.[Paper] Influence of mineral composition and firing temperature on the micro- and mesoporosity of replicate archaeological ceramics
via Clays and Clay Minerals, 25 September 2024: Paper by Cayme et al. examined how mineral composition and firing temperatures affect micro- and mesoporosity in replicate archaeological ceramics. Using illitic and kaolinitic clays, with sand and chalk as temper, the pottery briquettes were fired at 600°C and 800°C to study pore formation. Findings show that micro- and mesoporosity were largely determined by the original clay composition, with illitic clay experiencing greater porosity reduction at higher temperatures due to lime reactions. This research enhances understanding of how ceramic porosity affects the preservation of ancient biomolecules, like lipids, in archaeological contexts.via Quaternary Environments and Humans, 17 August 2024: A recent study by Zeitoun et al.from Laang Spean Cave in Cambodia integrates environmental and cultural data, highlighting the Hoabinhian culture's adaptability between 12900 and 5000 cal BP. The cave yielded human, faunal, and lithic remains, offering insights into how the Hoabinhian people utilized diverse habitats, including humid forests and wetlands. The lithic assemblage shows a continuity in tool production strategies, reflecting subtle technological adaptations over time. These findings contribute significantly to understanding human-environment interactions in Southeast Asia, including responses to climatic changes during the Quaternary period.
[Paper] Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia: From wild to domesticate
via PLOS One, 02 October 2024: A study by Jenny et al. on Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia reveals significant genetic diversity, highlighting the region as a key center for wild banana species. Researchers collected 208 specimens from Vietnam, Laos, and China, discovering that human activity has influenced the distribution of species like Musa balbisiana, which is now considered domesticated. In contrast, species such as Musa yunnanensis remain largely wild. The study emphasizes the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect these wild relatives, which are crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing banana crops’ resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.
See also: Phys.org
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Job] Assistant or Associate Curator of Pacific or East Asian Anthropology | Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago seeks an Assistant or Associate Curator of Pacific or East Asian Anthropology to lead research and oversee its collections, starting in January 2025. The successful candidate will collaborate with descendant communities, curate exhibits, and promote Indigenous perspectives through research and public outreach. This joint position with the University of Illinois at Chicago requires a Ph.D. in Anthropology, with an emphasis on experience in fieldwork, collections management, and museum curation. Applications are currently being reviewed, and the initial probation period is 3+3 years.Workshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia
via India Foundation: A workshop on 28 October 2024 organized by India Foundation will explore the "Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia". This event in New Delhi aims to examine the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges between Kalinga and the Champa territory, revealing their shared cultural heritage. The workshop will bring together historians, archaeologists, and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Kalinga’s influence on Champa and Southeast Asia. This dialogue seeks to foster further research into the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia. It seems the workshop is by invitation only.
Upcoming Events
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
17 October 2024: Art, Diplomacy and the Projection of Power: The Thai Elephant Statues in Singapore, Jakarta and Ho Chi Minh City (Bangkok, Thailand)
26 October 2024: Sukhothai Art Without Inscription No. 1 (Bangkok, Thailand)
28 October 2024: Workshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia (New Delhi, India)
3-6 November 2024: 9th ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium ATTS 9 (Vientiane, Laos)
20 November 2024: Symposium on Conservation Ethics and Decision-Making (Durham, UK)
11-29 November 2024: CollAsia 2024 (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
16-17 April 2025: Crossing Boundaries: Food and Southeast Asia, 1500-Present (Singapore and Online)
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)
Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]
[Paper] Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia: From wild to domesticate
via PLOS One, 02 October 2024: A study by Jenny et al. on Musa species in mainland Southeast Asia reveals significant genetic diversity, highlighting the region as a key center for wild banana species. Researchers collected 208 specimens from Vietnam, Laos, and China, discovering that human activity has influenced the distribution of species like Musa balbisiana, which is now considered domesticated. In contrast, species such as Musa yunnanensis remain largely wild. The study emphasizes the need for urgent conservation efforts to protect these wild relatives, which are crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing banana crops’ resistance to diseases and environmental stresses.
See also: Phys.orgWorkshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia
via India Foundation: A workshop on 28 October 2024 organized by India Foundation will explore the "Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia". This event in New Delhi aims to examine the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges between Kalinga and the Champa territory, revealing their shared cultural heritage. The workshop will bring together historians, archaeologists, and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Kalinga’s influence on Champa and Southeast Asia. This dialogue seeks to foster further research into the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia. It seems the workshop is by invitation only.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
via Quaternary Environments and Humans, 17 August 2024: A recent study by Zeitoun et al.from Laang Spean Cave in Cambodia integrates environmental and cultural data, highlighting the Hoabinhian culture's adaptability between 12900 and 5000 cal BP. The cave yielded human, faunal, and lithic remains, offering insights into how the Hoabinhian people utilized diverse habitats, including humid forests and wetlands. The lithic assemblage shows a continuity in tool production strategies, reflecting subtle technological adaptations over time. These findings contribute significantly to understanding human-environment interactions in Southeast Asia, including responses to climatic changes during the Quaternary period.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Mediation Set for Dispute Between Borobudur Vendors and Management
via The Jakarta Post, 03 October 2024: The Indonesian Ombudsman will mediate a dispute between the Borobudur Crafts and Food Center Association and PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko, the operator of the new Borobudur Arts Village. SKMB vendors claim they were denied their rightful stalls in the village, with 350 street vendors affected. Mediation will aim to resolve the issue fairly, involving only the SKMB, TWC, and the ombudsman. The Borobudur Arts Village is part of a larger national revitalization project funded at Rp 253.2 billion, set to be inaugurated by President Joko Widodo in mid-October.Borobudur’s Future as Cultural, Educational, and Economic Hub
via ANTARA, 01 October 2024 — Indonesia’s SOEs Minister Erick Thohir announced plans to transform the Borobudur Temple complex into a world-class spiritual, cultural, and educational tourism hub. The initiative focuses on sustainable preservation, economic empowerment for local communities, and boosting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The project includes upgrading the Borobudur Museum, promoting local creative industries, and improving infrastructure, such as direct international flights to Yogyakarta.The Symbolism of Borobudur: An Icon of Indonesian Buddhism
via SBS Indonesia, 30 Sep 2024 – Podcast episode on Borobudur Temple in Central Java, built during the Shailendra Dynasty in the 8th century. As a key site in Indonesian Buddhism, the temple symbolizes the journey toward spiritual enlightenment through its ten tiers, starting from Kamadhatu (desire), Rupadhatu (form), and culminating in Arupadhatu (formlessness). Borobudur's structure features over two million pieces of andesite rock and represents the Buddhist view of the universe.
Borobudur Temple Unveils New Art Village and Visitor Hub
via ANTARA, 30 Sep 2024 – Borobudur Temple has entered a new phase with the introduction of Borobudur Art Village. Spanning 10.74 hectares, the village offers space for 1,943 vendors, parking, a museum, and cultural facilities. This development, part of President Jokowi’s reconfiguration plan signed in September 2024, aims to increase tourism and benefit the local economy. With new infrastructure, including an MoU with Thai Airways for direct flights, Borobudur expects to attract millions of tourists, including from Thailand. Local communities are being trained to benefit from this boom.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
Manila Post Office Restoration Study Approved for Historic Landmark
via The Philippine Star, 01 Oct 2024 – Rehabilitation of the historic Manila Central Post Office, damaged by a fire in May 2023, is set to begin following the approval of a detailed restoration study. The Department of Tourism allocated P15 million for the study, which includes pre-restoration work, design planning, and a damage assessment. The study was approved by an inter-agency group, and restoration will focus on preserving the 1926 national landmark. The building, insured for P604 million, was critically damaged by a seven-hour fire that left several injured.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Thon Buri Historical Sites Assessed for Tourism and City Development
via Bangkok Post, 02 October 2024: The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is evaluating Thon Buri’s historical sites for a new city development plan aimed at boosting tourism and local economies. In collaboration with A-Seven Corporation, the BMA surveyed key landmarks in districts like Khlong San, including Wat Anongkharam, Seyfee Mosque, and the Guan Yu Shrine. They are also considering land use potential, public transport, and challenges such as overcrowding and property intrusion. Plans include a riverside walkway, a new bridge, and public park renovations to improve the area’s growth potential.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Ancient Golden Linga from Binh Thuan Gains National Treasure Status
via Voice of Vietnam, 02 October 2024: The Golden Linga of Binh Thuan has been officially recognized as a national treasure by the Prime Minister. Discovered at the Po Dam Tower Relic Site in Tuy Phong district, this 8th-9th century artifact holds significant value for studying Cham history, culture, and religion. The announcement coincided with the opening of the Kate Festival at the Po Sah Inu tower in Phan Thiet, a traditional Cham event.
Workshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia
via India Foundation: A workshop on 28 October 2024 organized by India Foundation will explore the "Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia". This event in New Delhi aims to examine the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges between Kalinga and the Champa territory, revealing their shared cultural heritage. The workshop will bring together historians, archaeologists, and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Kalinga’s influence on Champa and Southeast Asia. This dialogue seeks to foster further research into the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia. It seems the workshop is by invitation only.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
[Job] Assistant or Associate Curator of Pacific or East Asian Anthropology | Field Museum
The Field Museum in Chicago seeks an Assistant or Associate Curator of Pacific or East Asian Anthropology to lead research and oversee its collections, starting in January 2025. The successful candidate will collaborate with descendant communities, curate exhibits, and promote Indigenous perspectives through research and public outreach. This joint position with the University of Illinois at Chicago requires a Ph.D. in Anthropology, with an emphasis on experience in fieldwork, collections management, and museum curation. Applications are currently being reviewed, and the initial probation period is 3+3 years.Over 10,000 Ancient Artefacts Unearthed from China’s Sanxingdui Ruins
via South China Morning Post, 28 September 2024: Archaeologists at China’s Sanxingdui ruins in Sichuan have uncovered over 10,000 artefacts, including bronze vessels, gold masks, jade, and shells. The discoveries, made in two pits, were buried beneath hundreds of elephant tusks, seemingly to conceal the relics. One pit, the largest in the ritual area, dates to between 1117 and 1015 BCE, coinciding with the late Shang dynasty. These remarkable finds, including 7,400 ceremonial items, shed light on a little-known culture that thrived over 3,000 years ago.[Paper] American sweet potato and Asia-Pacific crop experimentation during early colonisation of temperate-climate Aotearoa/New Zealand
via Antiquity, 26 September 2024: New research from the M24/11 site in Aotearoa/New Zealand reveals that the American sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) was cultivated as early as the 14th century, playing a key role in Māori agriculture during early colonization. Despite cooler climates, sweet potato persisted while taro and yam declined after a post-1650 climate downturn. This crop adaptability highlights the significance of sweet potato in Polynesian migration and settlement, contrasting with the predominant Asia-Pacific crops in the region.[Paper] Influence of mineral composition and firing temperature on the micro- and mesoporosity of replicate archaeological ceramics
via Clays and Clay Minerals, 25 September 2024: Paper by Cayme et al. examined how mineral composition and firing temperatures affect micro- and mesoporosity in replicate archaeological ceramics. Using illitic and kaolinitic clays, with sand and chalk as temper, the pottery briquettes were fired at 600°C and 800°C to study pore formation. Findings show that micro- and mesoporosity were largely determined by the original clay composition, with illitic clay experiencing greater porosity reduction at higher temperatures due to lime reactions. This research enhances understanding of how ceramic porosity affects the preservation of ancient biomolecules, like lipids, in archaeological contexts.Workshop on the Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia
via India Foundation: A workshop on 28 October 2024 organized by India Foundation will explore the "Impact of Kalinga on Champa in Southeast Asia". This event in New Delhi aims to examine the historical, political, and socio-economic exchanges between Kalinga and the Champa territory, revealing their shared cultural heritage. The workshop will bring together historians, archaeologists, and scholars to discuss the lasting legacy of Kalinga’s influence on Champa and Southeast Asia. This dialogue seeks to foster further research into the deep historical ties between India and Southeast Asia. It seems the workshop is by invitation only.