Kebayas, Kramas, and Cultural Continuity

The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 2 - 8 December 2024

Hola! The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which just concluded in Paraguay, has proven a banner moment for Southeast Asia. This week’s news is brimming with stories of cultural pride, as several traditions from the region have been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These recognitions highlight the vibrancy of the region's living traditions while also sparking important discussions about how we define and safeguard heritage in its many forms.

At the forefront is the kebaya, a Southeast Asian garment that unites five countries—Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—in a historic first: a multinational nomination. Its inclusion celebrates cross-border collaboration, but it also exemplifies the blurry line between “intangible” and “tangible” heritage. How can an object so central to its cultural practice—woven with artistry and stitched with meaning—be labeled intangible? This critique can be applied to other entries, such as Indonesia’s Reog Ponorogo, where elaborate tiger-head masks, and even Thailand’s Tom Yum Kung, a dish steeped in tangible ingredients, defy simple categorization of either intangible or tangible.

This year’s UNESCO recognitions reflect the diversity of Southeast Asia’s heritage. Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival splashes New Year joy in a flurry of water fights, Cambodia’s Krama scarf wraps centuries of history and culture into a single piece of fabric, and Vietnam’s Ba Chua Xu Festival celebrates a spiritual matron revered by many. Thailand’s Tom Yum Kung, meanwhile, represents the everyday magic of a dish that’s become a global icon of Thai cuisine. If you look closely enough, some of these traditions are also similarly recognised in previous years in other countries, such as Thailand’s Songkran, which was recognised last year, and the Khmer New Year which is nominated for inscription next year. In light of the five-country listing of the kebaya, some of these same-but-different heritages feel like a missed opportunity.

Beyond the UNESCO list, this week’s edition has more stories ranging from restoration of temples to the trafficking of gold artefacts in Southeast Asia. Before we dive into the details, a heartfelt shoutout to our supporters: thank you to Azra Moiz and an unnamed supporter on Substack for fueling this newsletter’s growth. Your support ensures these stories of Southeast Asian heritage continue to shine. If you’d like to help support my efforts financially, consider being a member, or buying me a coffee.

And now, on to the news:

Contents

1. Highlights of the Week

2. Featured Books and Recommendations

3. New Research

4. Announcements

5. Upcoming Events

6. Southeast Asia

7. Brunei

8. Cambodia

9. Indonesia

10. Malaysia

11. Myanmar

12. Philippines

13. Singapore

14. Thailand

15. Vietnam

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.

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Highlights of the Week

[Back to Contents]

In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:

• Why “Prehistory” Should Be Replaced With “Deep History”
  via Sapiens, 03 December 2024: A team of archaeologists in Southeast Asia advocates replacing the term "prehistory" with "deep history," emphasizing Indigenous knowledge and cultural continuity. Using examples such as the Ifugao rice terraces and Angkor Wat, the authors highlight how Eurocentric timelines often overlook the dynamism of local societies. Research shows the Ifugao terraces were constructed in response to colonial pressures, while Angkor Wat remained a thriving religious center well beyond the Angkorian period. This "deep history" approach values Indigenous oral traditions and material culture, challenging outdated frameworks like the three-age system and offering a more inclusive understanding of the past.

• National Museum-Davao Opens in Durian-Inspired Building
  via GMA Lifestyle, 02 December 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao officially opened on 01 December 2024 in a striking durian-inspired building at People’s Park, Davao City. This six-story museum, the 17th regional component of the NMP, features diverse exhibits ranging from local biodiversity to indigenous culture, textiles, and modern art by Davao artists. Highlights include textile traditions from Mindanao, artworks by Ang Kiukok, and a focus on indigenous rituals and life cycles. Admission is free, and the museum welcomes educational tours with prior bookings.
  See also: Mindanao Times, PhilStar

• Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
  via Global New Light of Myanmar, 05 December 2024: Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival, also known as the Traditional New Year Water Festival, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee session in Asunción, Paraguay. This marks the first cultural element from Myanmar to be recognized on the list. The nomination, submitted in March 2023, was supported by collaborative efforts from cultural organizations, ethnic associations, and civil society. UNESCO’s recognition ensures the festival’s preservation, global appreciation, and transmission to future generations, setting the stage for future nominations.
  See also: Global New Light of Myanmar, Global New Light of Myanmar, Eleven Myanmar, The Nation, Ministry of Information

• Foreign Visitors to Angkor Wat Surge by 28% in 2024
  via Phnom Penh Post, 03 December 2024: Angkor Archaeological Park recorded $41.91 million in revenue from nearly 900,000 foreign visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, a 28.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. November alone saw over 120,000 foreign visitors, generating $5.92 million. Tourists mainly hailed from the US, UK, France, and China, with the park benefiting from improved air connectivity via Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. While November was a record month, tourism figures are expected to dip in December. The Ministry of Tourism continues efforts to promote Cambodia’s cultural heritage and sustainable tourism practices.

  See also: Xinhua, Khmer Times

• [Time Trowel] Putting local voices at the center of academic research
  via Rappler, 01 December 2024: In his "Time Trowel" column, Stephen Acabado emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing local perspectives in academic research, particularly within archaeology. He critiques the historical dominance of Western methodologies and advocates for the decolonization of knowledge by integrating indigenous voices and participatory action research. Acabado underscores the importance of community archaeology, where local communities actively engage in interpreting and preserving their heritage, thereby fostering a more inclusive and accurate representation of history.

Featured Books and Recommendations

[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.

• Nyonya Kebaya: A Century of Straits Chinese Costume by Endon Mahmood

• Kebaya Tales: Of Matriarchs, Maidens, Mistresses and Matchmakers by Lee Su Kim

• Journey to Angkor by HRH Prince Damrong Rajanunhab

• The Informal Imperialist: Dr. Clement Williams at the Court of King Mindon, Mandalay, 1861-1879 by Ron Graham

• Early Southeast Asia From First Humans to First Civilizations by Charles Higham

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] Before the recent: Late Pleistocene fauna in Thailand
  Book chapter by Wattanapituksakul & Filoux, 2024. Thailand's position at the crossroads of Sundaic and Indochinese subregions made it a hub for faunal exchange and human dispersion during the Pleistocene. This era saw a diverse fauna community, including the Ailuropoda-stegodon complex, which disappeared by the Holocene. Fossil evidence highlights the presence of Homo erectus, later Homo sapiens, and their interactions with megafauna. However, human activities, such as hunting and land use, coupled with climatic changes, contributed to a significant loss of biodiversity. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies, such as wildlife corridors and protected areas, to mitigate the ongoing extinction crisis in Southeast Asia.

• [Paper] The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia
  The chapter "The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia" by Mai Lin Tjoa-Bonatz explores the journey of gold artefacts from excavation sites in Indonesia to museums and private collections worldwide. Using archival, curatorial, and fieldwork evidence, the author examines how diggers, dealers, collectors, and scholars have influenced the narratives, trade, and taste surrounding these artefacts. The chapter also delves into provenance research, focusing on Javanese gold items in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and addressing the gaps in knowledge arising from lost or illicitly traded objects. This chapter is from the new volume Collections as Relations: Contestations of Belonging, Cultural Heritage, and Knowledge Infrastructures (affiliate link)

Announcements

[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.

• [Job] Regional Facility Director (NGO and Cultural Heritage) Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
  Monroe Consulting Group seeks a Regional Facility Director for a cultural heritage NGO in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, with a salary range of THB 200,000–280,000 per month. The role involves overseeing heritage site operations across multiple countries, including strategic planning, financial management, stakeholder relations, and team leadership. Candidates should have strong leadership, project management, and financial skills, along with fluency in Thai and English and extensive travel availability. Benefits include allowances, performance bonuses, and insurance.

• [Fellowship] Gosling-Lim Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies
  The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) is offering the Gosling-Lim Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies, providing US$55,000 for 10-12 months of research and writing. This fellowship aims to support Southeast Asian nationals in publishing their dissertation research or initiating new post-dissertation projects, with the expectation that recipients will contribute to the advancement of Southeast Asian Studies within the region. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. obtained between one and three years prior to the award's start and plan to affiliate with an academic institution other than their home or doctoral institution. The application portal opens in December 2024, with a submission deadline of 03 February 2025.

Upcoming Events

[Back to Contents]
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)

• December 2024: Night at the Museum Festival (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)

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Southeast Asia

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]

• Why “Prehistory” Should Be Replaced With “Deep History”
  via Sapiens, 03 December 2024: A team of archaeologists in Southeast Asia advocates replacing the term "prehistory" with "deep history," emphasizing Indigenous knowledge and cultural continuity. Using examples such as the Ifugao rice terraces and Angkor Wat, the authors highlight how Eurocentric timelines often overlook the dynamism of local societies. Research shows the Ifugao terraces were constructed in response to colonial pressures, while Angkor Wat remained a thriving religious center well beyond the Angkorian period. This "deep history" approach values Indigenous oral traditions and material culture, challenging outdated frameworks like the three-age system and offering a more inclusive understanding of the past.

• [Fellowship] Gosling-Lim Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies
  The Association for Asian Studies (AAS) is offering the Gosling-Lim Postdoctoral Fellowship in Southeast Asian Studies, providing US$55,000 for 10-12 months of research and writing. This fellowship aims to support Southeast Asian nationals in publishing their dissertation research or initiating new post-dissertation projects, with the expectation that recipients will contribute to the advancement of Southeast Asian Studies within the region. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. obtained between one and three years prior to the award's start and plan to affiliate with an academic institution other than their home or doctoral institution. The application portal opens in December 2024, with a submission deadline of 03 February 2025.

• [Paper] The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia
  The chapter "The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia" by Mai Lin Tjoa-Bonatz explores the journey of gold artefacts from excavation sites in Indonesia to museums and private collections worldwide. Using archival, curatorial, and fieldwork evidence, the author examines how diggers, dealers, collectors, and scholars have influenced the narratives, trade, and taste surrounding these artefacts. The chapter also delves into provenance research, focusing on Javanese gold items in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and addressing the gaps in knowledge arising from lost or illicitly traded objects. This chapter is from the new volume Collections as Relations: Contestations of Belonging, Cultural Heritage, and Knowledge Infrastructures (affiliate link)

Brunei

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Brunei]

• Five Nations Unite to Celebrate Kebaya’s UNESCO Inscription

  via CNA, 04 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional garment shared by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks the first multinational nomination from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the kebaya’s role as a unifying symbol of cultural identity. The nomination was praised for extensive community participation and cross-cultural collaboration. Singapore’s National Heritage Board highlighted ongoing awareness efforts, including exhibitions and merchandise, to promote the kebaya’s cultural significance.
  See also: Bernama, Malay Mail, Bangkok Post, The Rakyat Post, The Straits Times, FMT

Cambodia

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]

• Angkor Sees Tourism Surge: Americans Top Visitors, China Ranks Fourth
  via Khmer Times, 05 December 2024: American tourists topped the list of nearly 400,000 international visitors to Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park in 2024, followed by tourists from the UK, Australia, China, and South Korea. From January to November, 898,339 tickets were sold, generating $42 million, marking a 28.33% increase compared to 2023. Director General Ly Se attributed the surge to effective promotion of Cambodia’s major attractions and favorable conditions, including peace and stability.

• Cambodia’s Krama Scarf Joins UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
  via Khmer Times, 05 December 2024: The Krama Khmer, Cambodia’s iconic scarf, has been added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th Intergovernmental Committee session in Paraguay. Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed gratitude for the collaboration among experts, weavers, and cultural institutions in achieving this milestone. The Krama holds deep cultural significance, serving practical and ceremonial purposes throughout Cambodian life. This recognition adds to Cambodia's growing list of cultural heritage achievements and highlights the need to preserve this symbol for future generations.
  See also: Khmer Times

• Cambodian Delegation Joins Global UNESCO Cultural Safeguarding Efforts
  via Khmer Times, 03 December 2024: Cambodia’s Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeurng Sackona, led a delegation to the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, held from 02–07 December 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay. The session brought together global cultural leaders to evaluate preservation efforts and discuss strategies for safeguarding intangible heritage. Sackona highlighted the importance of integrating heritage education into formal and informal systems to ensure cultural transmission to future generations. The committee also discussed the cultural heritage’s role in sustainable development and evaluated new nominations, with regional updates from Africa and the Arab states providing critical insights into the effectiveness of current measures.
  See also: Khmer Times

• Phnom Krom Temple Restoration Nears Completion by Year-End
  via Khmer Times, 03 December 2024: The APSARA National Authority is set to complete the restoration of a brick temple at the northeast corner of Phnom Krom Temple in Siem Reap province by the end of 2024. Led by Ros Visoth, the team has spent five months repairing structural damage, reinforcing the foundation, and addressing brick deterioration in critical areas. Despite its external appearance, the temple had severe internal damage that posed a risk of collapse. The restoration prioritizes structural integrity and historical preservation to ensure the temple’s longevity for future generations.

• Foreign Visitors to Angkor Wat Surge by 28% in 2024
  via Phnom Penh Post, 03 December 2024: Angkor Archaeological Park recorded $41.91 million in revenue from nearly 900,000 foreign visitors in the first 11 months of 2024, a 28.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. November alone saw over 120,000 foreign visitors, generating $5.92 million. Tourists mainly hailed from the US, UK, France, and China, with the park benefiting from improved air connectivity via Siem Reap Angkor International Airport. While November was a record month, tourism figures are expected to dip in December. The Ministry of Tourism continues efforts to promote Cambodia’s cultural heritage and sustainable tourism practices.

  See also: Xinhua, Khmer Times

• New Pedestrian Walkway Opens at Angkor Wat East Entrance
  via Khmer Times, 03 December 2024: The APSARA Authority will open a new pedestrian walkway at the south of Angkor Wat's east entrance on 04 December 2024 to enhance safety and comfort for visitors. The pathway connects the checkpoint to the east gate, improving accessibility for both domestic and international tourists. Relevant authorities, travel professionals, and the general public are informed of this development, aimed at ensuring a better experience at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• ICC-Angkor Experts Review Conservation Work at Angkor Site
  via Khmer Times, 03 December 2024: Adhoc experts from the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk visited the Angkor archaeological site on 02 December 2024 to review conservation and development efforts. Joined by APSARA National Authority Director General Hang Peou and other specialists, the team assessed several areas, including Preah Ko and Pre Rup Temples, focusing on urgent structural repairs. Discussions emphasized challenges faced in preserving these historical monuments, with experts offering recommendations for ongoing and future conservation strategies to Cambodian teams.

• Brick Tower No. 7 at Bakong Temple Restored by APSARA Authority
  via Khmer Times, 02 December 2024: The APSARA National Authority has completed the restoration of Brick Tower No. 7 at Bakong Temple, a 14.5-meter structure over 1,000 years old. Repairs from May to November 2024 addressed severe structural damage, including fallen bricks, significant cracks, and degraded sandstone stairs. Protective steel was installed at the summit to enhance stability, and the work has secured the tower for both visitors and the temple's long-term preservation.

• ICC-Angkor Experts Monitor Angkor Conservation Progress
  via Khmer Times, 01 December 2024: A team of Adhoc experts from the ICC-Angkor/Sambor Prei Kuk visited the Angkor site to review ongoing conservation and development efforts. Accompanied by Kim Sothin, Deputy Director-General of APSARA National Authority, the visit focused on urgent structural repairs for deteriorating elements of the site. The experts also provided recommendations to the Cambodian team on enhancing conservation practices and addressing preservation challenges.

Indonesia

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]

• Kebaya Added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List
  via ANTARA, 06 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional Southeast Asian blouse-dress, has been officially inscribed into UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List on 04 December 2024 in Paraguay. Proposed jointly by Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, the kebaya symbolizes cultural unity across the region. Ambassador Mohamad Oemar highlighted this recognition as a testament to Southeast Asia's rich cultural diversity and its shared heritage. The Foreign Affairs Ministry noted that this marks Indonesia's 15th recognition on the list, further cementing the country's dedication to preserving intangible cultural practices. Earlier, Reog Ponorogo was also recognized in UNESCO’s "In Need of Urgent Safeguarding" category.

• Kebaya and Reog Ponorogo Gain Global Recognition by UNESCO
  via The Jakarta Post, 05 December 2024: UNESCO has added the kebaya and Reog Ponorogo to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The kebaya, a traditional garment symbolizing Southeast Asian cultural identity, was jointly submitted by Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Reog Ponorogo, a traditional East Javanese art blending dance, music, and mythology, was listed under the “In Need of Urgent Safeguarding” category, highlighting its cultural and communal significance. Both recognitions aim to promote awareness and preservation of these cultural heritages for future generations.

• Five Nations Unite to Celebrate Kebaya’s UNESCO Inscription

  via CNA, 04 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional garment shared by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks the first multinational nomination from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the kebaya’s role as a unifying symbol of cultural identity. The nomination was praised for extensive community participation and cross-cultural collaboration. Singapore’s National Heritage Board highlighted ongoing awareness efforts, including exhibitions and merchandise, to promote the kebaya’s cultural significance.
  See also: Bernama, Malay Mail, Bangkok Post, The Rakyat Post, The Straits Times, FMT

• Indonesia’s Reog Ponorogo Added to UNESCO Heritage List
  via ANTARA, 04 December 2024: Reog Ponorogo, a traditional performing art from East Java, has been inscribed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The announcement was made during the 19th Intergovernmental Committee session in Asunción, Paraguay. Indonesia’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mohamad Oemar, and Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized the significance of this recognition for preserving Indonesia's cultural identity. Efforts are underway to document and promote Reog Ponorogo through school programs, workshops, and festivals. Reog Ponorogo, known for its iconic tiger-head masks adorned with peacock feathers, is Indonesia's 14th entry on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list.

• Indonesia’s Fadli Zon Highlights Cultural Diversity at UNESCO Meeting
  via ANTARA, 03 December 2024: Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, reaffirmed the nation's commitment to protecting and promoting intangible cultural heritage at UNESCO’s 19th Intergovernmental Committee session in Paraguay. He highlighted Indonesia's rich cultural diversity, with over 17,000 islands, 2,400 ethnic groups, and 720 regional languages. Zon emphasized the importance of heritage in addressing modern challenges like climate change and urbanization. With 13 UNESCO-listed elements and over 2,000 in its national inventory, Indonesia aims to continue its cultural diplomacy under President Prabowo Subianto's Asta Cita vision. Zon also announced Indonesia’s candidacy for the UNESCO committee for 2026–2030.

• [Paper] The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia
  The chapter "The Afterlives of Gold Antiquities from Southeast Asia" by Mai Lin Tjoa-Bonatz explores the journey of gold artefacts from excavation sites in Indonesia to museums and private collections worldwide. Using archival, curatorial, and fieldwork evidence, the author examines how diggers, dealers, collectors, and scholars have influenced the narratives, trade, and taste surrounding these artefacts. The chapter also delves into provenance research, focusing on Javanese gold items in the Ethnological Museum of Berlin and addressing the gaps in knowledge arising from lost or illicitly traded objects. This chapter is from the new volume Collections as Relations: Contestations of Belonging, Cultural Heritage, and Knowledge Infrastructures (affiliate link)

Malaysia

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]

• Five Nations Unite to Celebrate Kebaya’s UNESCO Inscription

  via CNA, 04 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional garment shared by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks the first multinational nomination from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the kebaya’s role as a unifying symbol of cultural identity. The nomination was praised for extensive community participation and cross-cultural collaboration. Singapore’s National Heritage Board highlighted ongoing awareness efforts, including exhibitions and merchandise, to promote the kebaya’s cultural significance.
  See also: Bernama, Malay Mail, Bangkok Post, The Rakyat Post, The Straits Times, FMT

Myanmar

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Myanmar]

• Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival Joins UNESCO Intangible Heritage List
  via Global New Light of Myanmar, 05 December 2024: Myanmar’s Thingyan Festival, also known as the Traditional New Year Water Festival, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 19th Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee session in Asunción, Paraguay. This marks the first cultural element from Myanmar to be recognized on the list. The nomination, submitted in March 2023, was supported by collaborative efforts from cultural organizations, ethnic associations, and civil society. UNESCO’s recognition ensures the festival’s preservation, global appreciation, and transmission to future generations, setting the stage for future nominations.
  See also: Global New Light of Myanmar, Global New Light of Myanmar, Eleven Myanmar, The Nation, Ministry of Information

Philippines

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]

• National Museum-Davao Opens in Durian-Inspired Building
  via GMA Lifestyle, 02 December 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines-Davao officially opened on 01 December 2024 in a striking durian-inspired building at People’s Park, Davao City. This six-story museum, the 17th regional component of the NMP, features diverse exhibits ranging from local biodiversity to indigenous culture, textiles, and modern art by Davao artists. Highlights include textile traditions from Mindanao, artworks by Ang Kiukok, and a focus on indigenous rituals and life cycles. Admission is free, and the museum welcomes educational tours with prior bookings.
  See also: Mindanao Times, PhilStar

• Stolen Pages of Philippine History Recovered from eBay
  via Philippine Daily Inquirer, 01 December 2024: Seven stolen revolutionary documents from the Philippine Insurgent Records (PIR) were recently recovered after being listed for sale on eBay for $749.95. Among the items were letters from prominent figures such as Eugenio Daza, Teodoro Sandico, and Ladislao Diwa. Initially stolen in the 1980s-1990s, these documents were authenticated and are now housed in the National Library of the Philippines’ Permanent Gallery. The recovery highlights ongoing efforts to reclaim missing historical artifacts, with the NLP appealing to collectors to return stolen records without fear of reprisal.

  See also: Politiko

• [Time Trowel] Putting local voices at the center of academic research
  via Rappler, 01 December 2024: In his "Time Trowel" column, Stephen Acabado emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing local perspectives in academic research, particularly within archaeology. He critiques the historical dominance of Western methodologies and advocates for the decolonization of knowledge by integrating indigenous voices and participatory action research. Acabado underscores the importance of community archaeology, where local communities actively engage in interpreting and preserving their heritage, thereby fostering a more inclusive and accurate representation of history.

Singapore

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]

• Kebaya's UNESCO Recognition Sparks Renewed Interest in Singapore
  via the Straits Times, 06 December 2024: The kebaya’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list has sparked hopes among cultural groups in Singapore for a deeper appreciation of the garment’s cultural significance. The kebaya, associated with Malay and Peranakan communities, is seen as a unifying symbol of Southeast Asian heritage. Groups like the Gunong Sayang Association and Kebaya Societe emphasized using this recognition to increase visibility and cultural pride through educational programs, school outreach, and community initiatives. Singapore’s National Heritage Board plans to launch interactive resources in 2025 to inspire future generations.

• Five Nations Unite to Celebrate Kebaya’s UNESCO Inscription

  via CNA, 04 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional garment shared by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks the first multinational nomination from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the kebaya’s role as a unifying symbol of cultural identity. The nomination was praised for extensive community participation and cross-cultural collaboration. Singapore’s National Heritage Board highlighted ongoing awareness efforts, including exhibitions and merchandise, to promote the kebaya’s cultural significance.
  See also: Bernama, Malay Mail, Bangkok Post, The Rakyat Post, The Straits Times, FMT

Thailand

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]

• Thailand Celebrates UNESCO Recognition for Tom Yum Kung and Kebaya
  via The Nation, 07 December 2024: Thailand is celebrating UNESCO’s recognition of Tom Yum Kung and the kebaya on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity with a three-day event at Bangkok’s EmQuartier Mall. Tom Yum Kung joins other Thai entries such as Khon, Nora, and Songkran, while the kebaya highlights shared cultural ties across Southeast Asia. The Ministry of Culture plans to integrate these recognitions into tourism and local economic initiatives, with campaigns promoting Tom Yum Kung as a must-try dish and kebaya attire for photo opportunities at tourist spots. The effort aligns with broader strategies to enhance Thailand’s cultural "soft power" through cuisine, fashion, and media.

• Five Nations Unite to Celebrate Kebaya’s UNESCO Inscription

  via CNA, 04 December 2024: The kebaya, a traditional garment shared by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This marks the first multinational nomination from Southeast Asia, emphasizing the kebaya’s role as a unifying symbol of cultural identity. The nomination was praised for extensive community participation and cross-cultural collaboration. Singapore’s National Heritage Board highlighted ongoing awareness efforts, including exhibitions and merchandise, to promote the kebaya’s cultural significance.
  See also: Bernama, Malay Mail, Bangkok Post, The Rakyat Post, The Straits Times, FMT

• Tom Yum Kung Recognized as Thai Cultural Heritage by UNESCO
  via Bangkok Post, 04 December 2024: UNESCO has officially inscribed Thailand’s iconic tom yum kung (spicy prawn soup) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The resolution was reached during the Intergovernmental Committee session in Paraguay. Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol highlighted the dish's cultural significance, rooted in riverside agricultural communities of the Central Plains, and its global popularity as a soft power symbol for Thailand. Tom yum kung joins four other Thai heritages already on the list, including Khon dance, Nora dance, Thai massage, and Songkran festival.
  See also: Nikkei Asia

• National Museum Bangkok Hosts Night at the Museum Event, Dec 20-22
  via The Nation, 02 December 2024: The National Museum Bangkok will host its annual "Night at the Museum" event from 20-22 December 2024, extending opening hours until 8pm. Visitors can enjoy themed activities such as a zodiac scavenger hunt, curated guided tours, a museum market featuring unique gifts, and the launch of collectible building stamps. The event includes cultural experiences like the Frangipani Teahouse and a chance to win lucky charms during special tours. Activities are designed for all ages, with ticket sales available on-site.

Vietnam

[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]

• Mekong Delta’s Holy Mother Festival Joins UNESCO Heritage List
  via Vietnam Plus, 05 December 2024: Vietnam’s Ba Chua Xu (Holy Mother of the Realm) Festival in An Giang Province has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Held annually at Mount Sam, this traditional festival honors Ba Chua Xu and reflects the cultural integration of Vietnam’s southern region with Khmer, Chinese, and Cham influences. Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, it is now the first southern traditional festival and the 16th Vietnamese heritage to gain UNESCO recognition. Authorities pledge to preserve and promote its cultural values in alignment with sustainable development goals.
  See also: VOV, Vietnam Express

• Hoi An Celebrates 25 Years as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site
  via SGGP, 05 December 2024: Hoi An commemorated its 25th anniversary as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site with events including the inauguration of the Museum of Local Products, a cultural parade, and a seminar on heritage preservation. The celebration, themed “25 Years—Preserving and Promoting Sustainable Values,” recognized the efforts of local authorities and the community in developing Hoi An as a cultural and ecological city. UNESCO and international organizations praised these achievements, emphasizing the importance of continued preservation and creative initiatives, such as Hoi An’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

• Xuan Pha: Vietnam's 1,000-Year-Old Dance Tradition Lives On
  via Vietnam Net, 05 December 2024: Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016, the Xuan Pha folk performance from Thanh Hoa Province has a history spanning over 1,000 years. Originating during the Dinh Dynasty, the tradition features five unique dances symbolizing diplomatic tributes from neighboring kingdoms, including Champa and Goryeo. These dances are performed annually at the Xuan Pha Shrine and retain their original lyrics and movements, thanks to dedicated artisans and community initiatives. Efforts to pass the tradition to younger generations ensure the art form’s preservation and continued relevance in Vietnamese culture.