Rescuing Heritage: Restorations and Repatriations
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 04 - 10 November 2024
Dadeer di'ak! As we approach the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property on November 14, this week’s edition shines a light on cross-border efforts to safeguard Southeast Asia’s cultural heritage. From Thailand to Indonesia and Malaysia, governments, museums, and international organizations are moving in concert to restore and repatriate priceless artifacts.
Starting with Thailand, the United States will this week officially return Ban Chiang artifacts in a ceremony at Bangkok’s National Museum. A UNESCO seminar on illicit trafficking will follow, emphasizing the need for ASEAN countries to strengthen cultural protection efforts. Meanwhile, Nicolas Revire from the Art Institute of Chicago shares how the long-awaited return of a 12th-century Khmer pilaster to at Prasat Phanom Rung marks an international dedication to rightful artifact repatriation. This intricate stone carving, depicting the Hindu god Krishna, rejoins its cultural and architectural home in Buriram province—a small but meaningful victory for Thailand’s cultural legacy.
In Indonesia, newly-appointed Culture Minister Fadli Zon is doubling down on his country’s ongoing mission to bring home Indonesian cultural artifacts held in foreign institutions. Just this year, Indonesia successfully repatriated over 600 artifacts from the Netherlands and Australia, yet efforts continue as significant pieces remain abroad. Zon’s initiative reflects a broader commitment to ethical cultural exchange and the restoration of national heritage.
As for Malaysia, a new collaboration between the Sarawak Museum and the British Museum aims to study Bornean artifacts and bolster cultural knowledge through research. This exchange represents a promising step in shared heritage research, if not exactly in repatriation. Yes, at least one party has been known to hold onto artifacts with enthusiasm.
Lastly, with 11.11 around the corner—a big day for online sales in the region—it’s worth noting that Air Asia has some travel deals via their Air Asia Move app. Just in case a heritage site visit is calling your name!
And before we dive into the details, a shoutout to Graham, who generously fueled my caffeine needs last week. Your support keeps both me and this newsletter well-caffeinated! Hello also to all the new followers this week! If you’d like to help support my efforts financially, consider buying me a coffee.
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:
[Talk] The Lintel and the Pilaster: Reuniting Artifacts at Prasat Phanom Rung
On 12 December, Dr Nicolas Revire will discuss the return of a 12th-century Khmer pilaster from the Art Institute of Chicago to its original location at Prasat Phanom Rung in Thailand’s Buriram province. Originally misattributed to Cambodia, this artifact, depicting the Hindu god Krishna, was confirmed through provenance research to belong at Phanom Rung, where it joins another returned artifact, the Vishnu lintel, which was repatriated in 1988. Revire will address the complexities of artifact provenience and the significance of restoring such pieces to their cultural and architectural origins.Cambodia's Angkor Wat Sees Ticket Revenue Increase Despite Visitor Disparity
via The Phnom Penh Post, 01 November 2024: Angkor Archaeological Park ticket sales rose 30% year-over-year, bringing in nearly $36 million from over 770,000 foreign visitors between January and October 2024. However, the increase does not fully reflect the total foreign visitor count to Cambodia, which saw 4.8 million arrivals, suggesting that many may be focused on border areas or non-touristic travel. Factors such as limited direct flights to Siem Reap and a slower global economic recovery contribute to the moderate increase in visitors to the temple. Industry experts anticipate further growth as the peak tourist season continues.
See also: Khmer TimesSukhothai Celebrates Loy Krathong in Historic Festival of Lights
via CNN Travel, 02 November 2024: Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital, is preparing for its annual Loy Krathong Festival, a major cultural event celebrated from November 8-15 this year. Known as the birthplace of Thai culture, Sukhothai developed many of the traditions now central to Thailand’s identity, including language and architecture, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The historical park’s illuminated ancient monuments and festivities, featuring traditional parades, light shows, and fireworks, make it a key location for experiencing Loy Krathong. While Loy Krathong's origins are still debated, it remains a revered ritual of gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.
National Museum to Restore Historic ‘Malacañang of Negros
via Digicastnegros, 05 November 2024:The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will lead a comprehensive restoration of the historic General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House in Talisay City, known as the "Malacañang of Negros." The restoration, made possible through a donation by Lacson’s descendants, aligns with the 126th anniversary of the 1898 Negrense uprising against Spanish rule, led by Lacson and General Juan Araneta. An initial PHP 20 million has been allocated for meticulous repairs, preserving the house's architectural heritage and revolutionary significance. Originally the seat of the short-lived Cantonal Republic of Negros, this 144-year-old house will serve as a museum and cultural landmark under a preservation plan by the NMP.
See also: PNA
Featured Books and Recommendations - International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property
[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.
Returning Southeast Asia's Past: Objects, Museums, and Restitution by Louise Tythacott and Panggah Ardiyansyah (eds.)
Displaced Things in Museums and Beyond: Loss, Liminality and Hopeful by Sandra H. Dudley
The Oxford Handbook of Museum Archaeology by Alice Stevenson
Southeast Asia: A History in Objects by Alexandra Green
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] The collapse of the Ming Dynasty actually began with the Wanli megadrought: Insights from a hydroclimate reconstruction based on tree-ring δ18O over the past 460 years
via Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 1 December 2024: A new study using tree-ring δ18O data has reconstructed hydroclimatic conditions in China from 1556 to 2015, revealing that the Ming Dynasty’s decline may have been triggered by the previously overlooked Wanli megadrought (1585–1590 CE), which weakened the Asian summer monsoon decades before the well-studied Chongzhen megadrought. Conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study shows that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) contributed to both droughts, which significantly impacted monsoon intensity. The findings highlight how early and prolonged drought stress played a critical role in destabilizing the Ming Dynasty, underscoring the influence of climate on historical events.
See also: Phys.org[Paper] Early Sri Lankan coastal site tracks technological change and estuarine resource exploitation over the last ca. 25,000 years
via Scientific Reports, 04 November 2024: Recent excavations at the Pathirajawela site in Sri Lanka have revealed human habitation and adaptation along the coast dating back approximately 25,000 years, the earliest well-dated evidence of coastal occupation in the region. Located in the island’s Southern Province, Pathirajawela provides insights into how ancient populations adjusted to rising sea levels and shifting ecosystems from the Last Glacial Maximum into the mid-Holocene. Findings include microlithic tools, indicators of estuarine resource use, and a large shell midden dating to around 4,800 years ago, signifying intensified exploitation of coastal resources. This research underscores the island's complex human-environment interactions and suggests that adaptations to fluctuating coastlines were integral to early Sri Lankan populations.
Announcements
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Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Talk] The Lintel and the Pilaster: Reuniting Artifacts at Prasat Phanom Rung
On 12 December, Dr Nicolas Revire will discuss the return of a 12th-century Khmer pilaster from the Art Institute of Chicago to its original location at Prasat Phanom Rung in Thailand’s Buriram province. Originally misattributed to Cambodia, this artifact, depicting the Hindu god Krishna, was confirmed through provenance research to belong at Phanom Rung, where it joins another returned artifact, the Vishnu lintel, which was repatriated in 1988. Revire will address the complexities of artifact provenience and the significance of restoring such pieces to their cultural and architectural origins.U.S. Returns Ban Chiang Artifacts to Thailand at UNESCO Seminar in Bangkok
via Unesco: On 14 November 2024, the U.S. Embassy will return 3,000-year-old artifacts from Thailand’s Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in a ceremony at Bangkok’s National Museum. This event, coinciding with the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, will feature a seminar hosted by UNESCO focused on combating cultural property trafficking. Officials and experts, including representatives from U.S. Homeland Security and the Royal Thai Police, will discuss legal frameworks, international cooperation, and ethical practices in the antiquities market. The seminar will advocate for increased ASEAN engagement with UNESCO’s 1970 Convention, addressing the persistent risks of trafficking in Southeast Asia.[Job] Assistant Professor in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism Post 1700 CE
New York University’s Department of Art History seeks an Assistant Professor specializing in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism post-1700 CE for a full-time, tenure-track role beginning in September 2025. This position emphasizes a diverse and interdisciplinary approach, inviting candidates focused on regions including Southeast Asia. Responsibilities include teaching four courses annually, mentoring, and guiding independent studies across undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. by the start date and demonstrate excellence in both scholarship and teaching. The application deadline is 29 November 2024, with further details available through Interfolio.
Gunung Padang Site Confirmed as Terraced Structure, Not Pyramid
via The Convesation, 02 November 2024: Gunung Padang in West Java, Indonesia, has stirred debates for years due to claims suggesting it is an ancient pyramid dating back 27,000 years, potentially tied to the mythical Atlantis. Recent research led by geologist Danny Hilman Natawidjaja supports this theory, claiming the site is an ancient pyramid based on geological surveys. However, archaeologists and experts refute this, pointing out that Mount Padang lacks the structural and archaeological characteristics of a pyramid. Scholars assert that Mount Padang is a "punden berundak"—a terraced structure shaped to follow natural hill contours, a common architectural form in Indonesian megalithic sites. The scientific community remains unconvinced of any pyramid structure or ancient civilization evidence, suggesting that Hilman’s methods, rooted in geology rather than archaeology, are insufficient to substantiate these claims. Article is in Indonesian.
Upcoming Events
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Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
22 September 2024 - 22 February 2025: Endless Stories (Cambridge, UK)
24 October - 16 November 2024: Reuniting Cargoes Underwater Cultural Heritage from the Maritime Silk and Spice Route (Adelaide, Australia)
12 November 2024: Representing Papua: A Journey of Cross-Cultural Understanding (Berkley CA, USA)
14 November 2024: Ceremony marking return of Ban Chiang artefact to Thailand and UNESCO seminar on the occasion of International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property (Bangkok, Thailand)
14-15 November 2024: Visualizing Ancient Histories (Leiden, the Netherlands)
20 November 2024: Symposium on Conservation Ethics and Decision-Making (Durham, UK)
20 November 2024: Unveiling the Invisible: Human-Forest Interactions in Prehistoric Southeast Asia and Their Modern Relevance (Taipei, Taiwan)
11-29 November 2024: CollAsia 2024 (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
3 December 2024: Prince Damrong’s Journey to Angkor a Century Ago (Bangkok, Thailand)
12 December 2024: The Lintel and the Pilaster: Reuniting Artifacts at Prasat Phanom Rung (Bangkok, 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]
[Job] Assistant Professor in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism Post 1700 CE
New York University’s Department of Art History seeks an Assistant Professor specializing in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism post-1700 CE for a full-time, tenure-track role beginning in September 2025. This position emphasizes a diverse and interdisciplinary approach, inviting candidates focused on regions including Southeast Asia. Responsibilities include teaching four courses annually, mentoring, and guiding independent studies across undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. by the start date and demonstrate excellence in both scholarship and teaching. The application deadline is 29 November 2024, with further details available through Interfolio.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Angkor Thom Wall Restoration Nears Completion by December 2024
via Khmer Times, 06 November 2024: The restoration of a 25-meter section of Angkor Thom's wall near the Dei Chhnang Gate is set to be completed by December 2024. Led by the Apsara National Authority, the project is now 70% finished and employs traditional methods to stabilize the deteriorating laterite stones, which have suffered from age, erosion, and plant growth. Approximately 30% of the original stones are being reused, with soil filling gaps for reinforcement. Local community involvement in the restoration supports both historical preservation and tourism, ensuring Angkor Thom’s lasting appeal.
Angkor Thom’s Historic Tramoung Temple Set for Completion in 2025
via Khmer Times, 06 November 2024: Restoration is underway for Tramoung Temple, one of Angkor Thom’s ancient hospital chapels, with a completion target set for next year. Led by the Apsara National Authority, the process includes clearing vegetation, stabilizing the foundations, and reassembling original stones. Although Tramoung Temple, located west of Takav Gate, has seen significant damage with only 20-30% of its structure remaining, experts are systematically cataloging and preparing around 1,100 stones for reinstallation. The phased restoration approach includes documenting the temple's current structure to ensure precise reassembly and long-term preservation.Local Tourists Fuel Angkor’s Revival Amid Post-COVID Tourism Slump
via Phnom Penh Post, 01 November 2024: The tourism landscape in Angkor has shifted post-COVID, with local Cambodian tourists stepping in as a critical support for the region’s guides and cultural sites. Tour guides like Meas Sovannaroth and Kea Simon are seeing an increase in domestic visitors who are now deeply interested in Cambodia’s rich history, culture, and temple art, a shift from pre-pandemic times when primarily foreign tourists sought these insights. This local engagement is creating a more sustained interest in the heritage of Angkor Wat and similar sites, even as international visitor numbers lag. The Siem Reap tourism department and tour guide associations are hopeful but cautious, as local tourism alone may not suffice to fully revitalize the sector.Cambodia's Angkor Wat Sees Ticket Revenue Increase Despite Visitor Disparity
via The Phnom Penh Post, 01 November 2024: Angkor Archaeological Park ticket sales rose 30% year-over-year, bringing in nearly $36 million from over 770,000 foreign visitors between January and October 2024. However, the increase does not fully reflect the total foreign visitor count to Cambodia, which saw 4.8 million arrivals, suggesting that many may be focused on border areas or non-touristic travel. Factors such as limited direct flights to Siem Reap and a slower global economic recovery contribute to the moderate increase in visitors to the temple. Industry experts anticipate further growth as the peak tourist season continues.
See also: Khmer Times
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Indonesia Seeks UNESCO Status for Reog Ponorogo, Kebaya, and Kolintang
via ANTARA, 06 November 2024: Indonesia’s Culture Minister Fadli Zon announced plans to secure UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status for three Indonesian traditions: Reog Ponorogo, the traditional blouse kebaya, and the musical instrument kolintang. During a meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission X, Zon emphasized the need to expand Indonesia's currently limited UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage list, despite having over two thousand nationally recognized cultural elements. He urged for increased digital promotion and local collaboration to revitalize Indonesian cultural practices, aiming to enhance Indonesia’s cultural representation on the global stage.Indonesia Plans Cultural Omnibus Law for Simplified, Unified Regulation
via ANTARA, 04 November 2024: Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, led by Minister Fadli Zon, plans to consolidate the country’s numerous cultural regulations into a single comprehensive law beginning next year. Currently governed by multiple laws, such as those on museums and music, the cultural sector would benefit from streamlined, integrated regulations under an Omnibus Law on Culture. This new law aims to support cultural education, preservation, and reduce regulatory complexity. The ministry is forming a special team to review and structure these regulations as part of an organizational overhaul, and has outlined initiatives to engage key cultural stakeholders in its first 100 days.Gunung Padang Site Confirmed as Terraced Structure, Not Pyramid
via The Convesation, 02 November 2024: Gunung Padang in West Java, Indonesia, has stirred debates for years due to claims suggesting it is an ancient pyramid dating back 27,000 years, potentially tied to the mythical Atlantis. Recent research led by geologist Danny Hilman Natawidjaja supports this theory, claiming the site is an ancient pyramid based on geological surveys. However, archaeologists and experts refute this, pointing out that Mount Padang lacks the structural and archaeological characteristics of a pyramid. Scholars assert that Mount Padang is a "punden berundak"—a terraced structure shaped to follow natural hill contours, a common architectural form in Indonesian megalithic sites. The scientific community remains unconvinced of any pyramid structure or ancient civilization evidence, suggesting that Hilman’s methods, rooted in geology rather than archaeology, are insufficient to substantiate these claims. Article is in Indonesian.Indonesia Continues Push for Cultural Artifact Repatriation
via The Jakarta Post, 02 November 2024: Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon affirmed his commitment to repatriating cultural artifacts held overseas, citing items in the Netherlands, UK, and India. Indonesia recently received 288 artifacts from the Netherlands and 332 from Australia. Despite progress, the UK continues to retain Indonesian items. Zon’s initiative aims to restore Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
Laos
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Laos]
Laos Hosts ASEAN Symposium on Preserving Traditional Textiles
via Xinhua, 05 November 2024: The ninth ASEAN Traditional Textile Symposium opened in Vientiane, Laos, with a focus on strengthening ASEAN unity through the preservation of traditional textile heritage. Under the theme “Weaving a Stronger ASEAN Community Through Cultural Heritage and Textiles,” the symposium celebrates the artistry and cultural ties represented by textiles across ASEAN nations. Keynote speaker Naly Sisoulith, spouse of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, praised the role of women in preserving traditional weaving, especially Laos’s silk weaving traditions. The three-day event, running from November 4–6, includes presentations, exhibitions, and discussions with textile experts from across the region and beyond.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Sarawak, British Museums Partner to Study Borneo Artefacts
Via DayakDaily, 07 November 2024: The Sarawak Museum Department and the British Museum have signed an MoU in London, focusing on joint research and cultural exchange to study artefacts from Borneo and Sarawak held in UK institutions and the Sarawak Museum. Signed by Sarawak Museum Director Nancy Jolhi and British Museum Director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, this agreement seeks to elevate the understanding and preservation of Sarawak’s unique heritage on a global platform. The collaboration supports Sarawak’s goal of establishing an internationally recognized heritage centre by 2030, aiming to engage global audiences through research, exhibitions, and museological development.
See also: Borneo Post, the VibesExploring 65,000 Years of History: MV Trip to Sarawak’s Gua Niah Caves
via NM Volunteers Blog, 06 November 2024: In October, a group of 21 visitors traveled to Sarawak’s Gua Niah National Park, renowned for its extensive archaeological significance. Guided by experts, they explored various caves, including the Great Cave and Painted Cave, which contain ancient rock art and evidence of human occupation dating back 65,000 years. Significant discoveries, such as the famed Deep Skull, intricate rock art, and prehistoric burial sites, highlight the site's importance. Recent excavations have uncovered Neolithic remains, a jade earring linked to early trade networks, and early evidence of tool-making, affirming Gua Niah's UNESCO World Heritage status granted in August 2024.
Myanmar
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]
Thingyan Festival Moves Closer to UNESCO Cultural Heritage Listing
via Global New Light of Myanmar, 07 November 2024: Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival, a traditional New Year water festival, has been included in UNESCO's preliminary list for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as confirmed by Myanmar's Department of Religious Affairs and National Museums. The final decision will be made during UNESCO's 19th World Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee session in Paraguay this December. U Kyaw Myo Win, a director in Myanmar’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, expressed optimism, noting Thingyan’s preliminary inclusion is a significant step for Myanmar’s cultural recognition on the global stage.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
National Museum to Restore Historic ‘Malacañang of Negros
via Digicastnegros, 05 November 2024:The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will lead a comprehensive restoration of the historic General Aniceto Lacson Ancestral House in Talisay City, known as the "Malacañang of Negros." The restoration, made possible through a donation by Lacson’s descendants, aligns with the 126th anniversary of the 1898 Negrense uprising against Spanish rule, led by Lacson and General Juan Araneta. An initial PHP 20 million has been allocated for meticulous repairs, preserving the house's architectural heritage and revolutionary significance. Originally the seat of the short-lived Cantonal Republic of Negros, this 144-year-old house will serve as a museum and cultural landmark under a preservation plan by the NMP.
See also: PNA, Rappler
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
[Talk] The Lintel and the Pilaster: Reuniting Artifacts at Prasat Phanom Rung
On 12 December, Dr Nicolas Revire will discuss the return of a 12th-century Khmer pilaster from the Art Institute of Chicago to its original location at Prasat Phanom Rung in Thailand’s Buriram province. Originally misattributed to Cambodia, this artifact, depicting the Hindu god Krishna, was confirmed through provenance research to belong at Phanom Rung, where it joins another returned artifact, the Vishnu lintel, which was repatriated in 1988. Revire will address the complexities of artifact provenience and the significance of restoring such pieces to their cultural and architectural origins.U.S. Returns Ban Chiang Artifacts to Thailand at UNESCO Seminar in Bangkok
via Unesco: On 14 November 2024, the U.S. Embassy will return 3,000-year-old artifacts from Thailand’s Ban Chiang Archaeological Site in a ceremony at Bangkok’s National Museum. This event, coinciding with the International Day Against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property, will feature a seminar hosted by UNESCO focused on combating cultural property trafficking. Officials and experts, including representatives from U.S. Homeland Security and the Royal Thai Police, will discuss legal frameworks, international cooperation, and ethical practices in the antiquities market. The seminar will advocate for increased ASEAN engagement with UNESCO’s 1970 Convention, addressing the persistent risks of trafficking in Southeast Asia.
See also: The Nation, Bangkok Post, The ThaigerThe Story Behind the 12th-Century Khmer Pilaster Repatriated to Thailand’s Phanom Rung Temple
via the Art Institute of Chicago, 05 November 2024: The Art Institute of Chicago has repatriated a 12th-century Khmer pilaster to Thailand’s Phanom Rung temple in Buriram province after research confirmed its original provenance. The pilaster, depicting the Hindu god Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana, was identified as part of the temple’s eastern sanctuary entrance, sharing stylistic details with the region's distinct Angkor Wat-style architecture. The Art Institute, following extensive provenance research and discussions with Thai authorities, approved its return, marking a significant restoration of cultural heritage and reuniting the pilaster with its architectural ensemble after over half a century.Sukhothai Celebrates Loy Krathong in Historic Festival of Lights
via CNN Travel, 02 November 2024: Sukhothai, Thailand’s first capital, is preparing for its annual Loy Krathong Festival, a major cultural event celebrated from November 8-15 this year. Known as the birthplace of Thai culture, Sukhothai developed many of the traditions now central to Thailand’s identity, including language and architecture, and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The historical park’s illuminated ancient monuments and festivities, featuring traditional parades, light shows, and fireworks, make it a key location for experiencing Loy Krathong. While Loy Krathong's origins are still debated, it remains a revered ritual of gratitude to the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Vietnam Aims to Revitalize 'Then' Heritage in Tày and Nùng Communities
via VNS, 06 November 2024: A workshop in Bắc Giang Province addressed efforts to preserve the 'Then' ritual, a significant cultural heritage of the Tày, Nùng, and Thái ethnic groups in northern Vietnam. Despite UNESCO recognition, challenges remain in safeguarding the traditional melodies and rituals, particularly among younger generations. The event highlighted the need for structured teaching programs, enhanced documentation, and community engagement through festivals and tourism. Officials and cultural experts discussed strategies such as integrating Then education in schools, promoting it on digital platforms like TikTok, and supporting folk song clubs to ensure the sustainability of this heritage.Quang Nam Province Begins Major Restoration of 1,000-Year-Old Champa Sites
via VN Express, 03 November 2024: Quang Nam Province has committed $1.7 million to restore several ancient Champa towers, including the Khuong My and Chien Dan complexes, which date back over 1,000 years and are severely deteriorated. Restoration on the central and northern Khuong My towers has been completed, while work on the southern tower and two Chien Dan towers is ongoing to prevent further damage. The project also includes the Dong Duong Buddhist Institute, once Southeast Asia’s largest, and the unique octagonal Bang An tower, which exhibits structural cracks and erosion. These efforts aim to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of the Champa civilization.
See also: TTWVietnam's Bien Hoa Plans Museum for Workers' Culture and Heritage
via Vietnam.vn, 02 November 2024: Dong Nai province has approved a plan to establish a cultural institution celebrating Bien Hoa’s industrial heritage and workers' culture within Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Park. This museum will preserve artifacts, documents, and images representing Bien Hoa’s significant role in the development of Southern Vietnam’s industry and its workers’ movement. Key sites, such as the Cogido Paper Mill, will be preserved as part of the project, commemorating the area’s industrial and socio-political legacy from the colonial period through the Vietnam War. The museum aims to connect visitors to Bien Hoa's historical role as a 20th-century industrial hub, which supported early Vietnamese independence movements and the region’s economic growth.Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Academy Restoration Begins in Hue
via Vietnam.vn, 02 November 2024: Thua Thien-Hue's Provincial History Museum has moved artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty’s Imperial Academy in Hue, allowing the historic site to be restored to its original state. This restoration will enable the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to better manage the heritage site and preserve its significance.
Vietnam’s Hoi An Tests Zero-Plastic Initiative for Eco-Friendly Tourism
via Vietnamplus, 31 October 2024: Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, has begun a pilot initiative to make two prominent streets in its ancient quarter plastic-free, as part of a vision to create an eco-friendly, ‘smart’ city by 2050. The trial includes Tran Phu and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets, where 236 businesses will be encouraged to eliminate single-use plastics, properly classify waste, and manage wastewater. The pilot also introduces measures for pedestrian-friendly spaces, prohibiting pavement obstruction and product harassment. Additionally, the city launched a campaign for courteous tourism practices, enhancing the town’s reputation as a culturally rich, eco-conscious destination.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
[Paper] The collapse of the Ming Dynasty actually began with the Wanli megadrought: Insights from a hydroclimate reconstruction based on tree-ring δ18O over the past 460 years
via Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 1 December 2024: A new study using tree-ring δ18O data has reconstructed hydroclimatic conditions in China from 1556 to 2015, revealing that the Ming Dynasty’s decline may have been triggered by the previously overlooked Wanli megadrought (1585–1590 CE), which weakened the Asian summer monsoon decades before the well-studied Chongzhen megadrought. Conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the study shows that the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) contributed to both droughts, which significantly impacted monsoon intensity. The findings highlight how early and prolonged drought stress played a critical role in destabilizing the Ming Dynasty, underscoring the influence of climate on historical events.
See also: Phys.org[Job] Assistant Professor in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism Post 1700 CE
New York University’s Department of Art History seeks an Assistant Professor specializing in Global Architecture and/or Urbanism post-1700 CE for a full-time, tenure-track role beginning in September 2025. This position emphasizes a diverse and interdisciplinary approach, inviting candidates focused on regions including Southeast Asia. Responsibilities include teaching four courses annually, mentoring, and guiding independent studies across undergraduate and graduate levels. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. by the start date and demonstrate excellence in both scholarship and teaching. The application deadline is 29 November 2024, with further details available through Interfolio.