Bom dia, and welcome aboard this week's voyage through the Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter. As we navigate through a sea of holidays—having just charted past the Good Friday and Easter, and with the horizon promising the vibrant festivities of the Muslim Eid and the splash of Sangkranti (Songkran) celebrations across most of Mainland Southeast Asia. This week and next, I'm embarking on a five-stop lecture tour across the US, with anchorages in Petaluma, San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, and Denver, courtesy of the Archaeological Institute of America. If you’re nearby, I hope to see you there!
This week we dive into the depths of underwater archaeology and resurface with news from Malaysia about the Bidong Shipwreck off the coast of Terengganu. Using both TL and radiocarbon dating, the shipwreck is dated to between 1500 and 1550 CE; that and its cargo of Thai ceramics give us an insight into the trade activity during that period. Further out at sea, we have news from Sri Lanka on the excavation of the Godawaya Shipwreck in the coast of the Southern Province. The Roman wreck is the oldest known wreck in the Asia-Pacific region, and this current excavation is funded by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation.
Lastly, a special Terima Kasih to Saidah Rastam for being a new supporter! Supporters get access to the full archive of newsletters (if not, access is limited to the last 6 weeks) and the occasional bonus post such as the Wednesday Rojak that comes out later this week. You can be a supporter by buying me a coffee.
And now, on to the news:
Contents
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Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Beyond Repatriation: Musée Guimet’s Vision for Cultural Dialogue
via South China Morning Post, 22 March 2024: Yannick Lintz, leading Paris’ Musée Guimet, emphasizes provenance in the restitution debate, advocating for open dialogue rather than mere repatriation. The museum, renowned for its diverse Asian art collection, underscores the importance of East-West collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. With initiatives like the upcoming exhibition featuring Cambodian sculptures and partnerships with Chinese institutions, Musée Guimet exemplifies how museums can serve as diplomatic channels, fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.
Apsara and Korea’s Cultural Heritage Unite for Angkor Wat
via Khmer Times, 24 March 2024: Hang Peou of the Apsara National Authority and YI Kyunghoon from Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration have forged a promising partnership focused on the conservation of Angkor Wat’s Bakan Tower. Meeting at Apsara headquarters, they discussed future collaborations under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant step towards preserving Cambodia’s iconic heritage with a project spanning 2024 to 2026.
[Video] What Was The Earliest Surgery?
via PBS Eons, 19 March 2024: A short video about the human practice of medicine and its origins, featuring a recent paper about surgical amputation in Borneo, 31,000 years ago.
Thailand’s Nan aims for Unesco listing
via Bangkok Post, 25 March 2024: The Thai government has green-lighted the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan province as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. The initiative encompasses public awareness projects and rigorous academic assessments of Nan’s archaeological sites, highlighting the area’s rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. This effort aims not only to preserve Nan’s historical significance but also to boost cultural tourism, linking it with other cultural landmarks like Luang Prabang in Laos.
Le Dynasty’s Arsenal Unveiled at Hanoi Museum
via VNA Net, 26 March 2024: The Hanoi Museum has launched the Giang Vo Military School and Le Dynasty Weapons Collection exhibition, showcasing over 200 artifacts and documents that illuminate the history of Vietnam’s first national martial arts academy and a remarkable collection of Le Dynasty weapons. The exhibition reveals insights into the ancient training grounds of Thang Long, the extensive martial and military traditions of feudal Vietnam, and the intricate craftsmanship of historical weaponry, offering visitors a deep dive into the nation’s rich martial heritage.
Featured Books and Recommendations - Thailand’s Temples
[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.
The Timeless Heritage of Thailand by Jim Wageman
Buddhist Temples of Thailand: A Visual Journey Through Thailand’s 42 Most Historic Wats by Joe Cummings
Ancient Capitals of Thailand by Elizabeth H. Moore, Philip Stott and Suriyavudh Sukhasvasti
Ancient Capitals of Thailand by Ben Davies
New Research
[Back to Contents]
If you have a newly-published paper that you wish to publicise, contact me and I’ll add it into the next newsletter.
via PLOS One, 20 March 2024: A groundbreaking study using starch residue analysis on obsidian tools from Rapa Nui’s Anakena site, dated to AD 1000–1300, has revealed the earliest evidence of human settlement and agriculture on the island. This research uncovered the introduction of Polynesian staples like breadfruit, taro, and yam, alongside previously unrecorded South American crops such as sweet potato, achira, manioc, and others, marking a significant moment in the translocation of traditional crops during the island’s initial colonization.
[Paper] The Preliminary Dating of the Bidong Shipwreck, Malaysia
via International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 21 March 2024: The Bidong shipwreck, found off Malaysia’s coast in 2012, has been preliminarily dated to between 1500 and 1550 CE, based on extensive analysis of recovered ceramics and wood samples. Utilizing relative dating, Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis, and radiocarbon dating, researchers have identified the ceramics as originating from the Thai Si Satchanalai and Maenam Noi kilns, offering invaluable insights into Southeast Asian maritime trade during the early modern period.
Upcoming Events
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Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
02 April 2024: Singapore's Alexanders: Persianate Kings and Premodern Pasts (New York, USA)
3-8 April 2024: A Decade of New Discoveries (Bangkok, Thailand)
7-13 April 2024: Crouching Tigers, Hidden Elephants (Petaluma, San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver, USA)
8-10 April 2024: Human Osteology Short Course (Sheffield, UK)
22-26 April 2024: Training Workshop on Heritage Impact Assessment in Southeast Asian Context: Principles, Methodology and Mitigation Measures (Melaka, Malaysia)
22 April - June 17 2024: Old Cities, New Challenges Course (Online)
1 June 2024: Conference on Jataka Tradition of Thailand (Bangkok, Thailand)
10-14 June 2024: SPAFACON2024 (Bangkok, Thailand)
23-26 September 2024: International Forum on the Spice Route (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Social Shoutout
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I like to highlight other websites and social media accounts related to the archaeology of Southeast Asia. Contact me if you have or know of an account that deserves highlighting!
Ayan (@indiastretched) is exclusively dedicated to documentation of archaeological sites in South East Asia. In addition to archaeological sites, Ayan also documents museum collections, heritage walks, local festivals, food, dance, crafts, tourism, rituals and practices, religion, and other forms of cultural expressions. He creates long postings from every country he visit, which runs into thousands of images, each with detailed captions explaining the historical context to the viewers. He has so far documented sites in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Myanmar, and his current posts are about the history of Thailand. This year he intend to start a new series in Vietnam.
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Apsara and Korea’s Cultural Heritage Unite for Angkor Wat
via Khmer Times, 24 March 2024: Hang Peou of the Apsara National Authority and YI Kyunghoon from Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration have forged a promising partnership focused on the conservation of Angkor Wat’s Bakan Tower. Meeting at Apsara headquarters, they discussed future collaborations under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant step towards preserving Cambodia’s iconic heritage with a project spanning 2024 to 2026.
Beyond Repatriation: Musée Guimet’s Vision for Cultural Dialogue
via South China Morning Post, 22 March 2024: Yannick Lintz, leading Paris’ Musée Guimet, emphasizes provenance in the restitution debate, advocating for open dialogue rather than mere repatriation. The museum, renowned for its diverse Asian art collection, underscores the importance of East-West collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. With initiatives like the upcoming exhibition featuring Cambodian sculptures and partnerships with Chinese institutions, Musée Guimet exemplifies how museums can serve as diplomatic channels, fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Indonesia Mourns the Loss of 11 Local Languages
via Jakarta Globe, 08 March 2024: Indonesia’s Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Ministry has reported the extinction of 11 indigenous languages, marking a significant loss for cultural diversity. Predominantly in eastern Indonesia, these languages, including Tandia and Mawes in Papua regions and several in Maluku, have vanished due to a lack of transmission to new generations, impacts of globalization, and shifts towards learning foreign languages.
[Video] What Was The Earliest Surgery?
via PBS Eons, 19 March 2024: A short video about the human practice of medicine and its origins, featuring a recent paper about surgical amputation in Borneo, 31,000 years ago.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
[Paper] The Preliminary Dating of the Bidong Shipwreck, Malaysia
via International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 21 March 2024: The Bidong shipwreck, found off Malaysia’s coast in 2012, has been preliminarily dated to between 1500 and 1550 CE, based on extensive analysis of recovered ceramics and wood samples. Utilizing relative dating, Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis, and radiocarbon dating, researchers have identified the ceramics as originating from the Thai Si Satchanalai and Maenam Noi kilns, offering invaluable insights into Southeast Asian maritime trade during the early modern period.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
PHP1 Billion Allocated to Heritage Education Sites
via Philippine News Agency, 26 March 2024: The Department of Budget and Management has allocated PHP1.134 billion for the restoration of Gabaldon School Buildings and other heritage educational structures across the Philippines. This funding, approved as part of the country’s cultural conservation efforts, aims to preserve these historic sites, many of which date back to the American colonial period and showcase traditional Filipino architectural styles.
National Museum Commits to Return Church Antiques
via Rappler, 27 March 2024: Cebu officials have secured commitments from heritage bodies for the return of historic pulpit panels stolen from the Boljoon Church, sparking a legal and ethical debate over heritage ownership. National Museum and NCCA officials are engaging with local leaders and the church to facilitate the return, amidst calls for clearer policies on church artifacts.
Cave Discovery in Philippines Reveals Unknown Human Ancestor
via the Express, 24 March 2024: Archaeologists on the island of Luzon, Philippines, discovered a new human species, Homo luzonensis, challenging existing narratives of human evolution. These small-statured beings, existing 50,000 to 67,000 years ago, possessed unique physical traits that suggest a complex web of human ancestry in Southeast Asia. The discovery adds to the growing evidence of diverse human species coexisting in the region, potentially reshaping our understanding of human migration and evolution.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Preserving the Mekong’s Palm-Leaf Heritage
via UNESCO, 26 March 2024: Thailand’s National Collection of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts, preserving the Phra That Phanom Chronicle, has been recognized by UNESCO for its significant role in documenting the Mekong region’s cultural and spiritual heritage. These manuscripts, inscribed with the intricate Isan Dhamma script, offer a unique blend of mythology, spirituality, and regional historiography, reflecting the profound faith and craftsmanship of local communities.
Thailand’s Nan aims for Unesco listing
via Bangkok Post, 25 March 2024: The Thai government has green-lighted the Culture Ministry’s proposal to nominate Nan province as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. The initiative encompasses public awareness projects and rigorous academic assessments of Nan’s archaeological sites, highlighting the area’s rich cultural heritage and ethnic diversity. This effort aims not only to preserve Nan’s historical significance but also to boost cultural tourism, linking it with other cultural landmarks like Luang Prabang in Laos.
A Decade of New Discoveries in Thai Archaeology
The Fine Arts Department of Thailand is organising a series of talks at the Bangkok National Museum on recent archaeological discoveries in the country from 3-8 April 2024. Readers in Bangkok may be interested in attending, although they are all in Thai. Registration is required for each talk.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Le Dynasty’s Arsenal Unveiled at Hanoi Museum
via VNA Net, 26 March 2024: The Hanoi Museum has launched the Giang Vo Military School and Le Dynasty Weapons Collection exhibition, showcasing over 200 artifacts and documents that illuminate the history of Vietnam’s first national martial arts academy and a remarkable collection of Le Dynasty weapons. The exhibition reveals insights into the ancient training grounds of Thang Long, the extensive martial and military traditions of feudal Vietnam, and the intricate craftsmanship of historical weaponry, offering visitors a deep dive into the nation’s rich martial heritage.
Yên Tử Complex a Step Closer to UNESCO Recognition
via Vietnam News, 22 March 2024: UNESCO has favorably reviewed Vietnam’s extensive dossier for the Yên Tử – Vĩnh Nghiêm – Côn Sơn, Kiếp Bạc Monuments and Landscapes Complex, acknowledging its compliance with World Heritage Convention requirements. This comprehensive submission, a first of its kind in Vietnam, encompasses a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and architectural significance across three northern provinces, spotlighting the potential of this complex as a world heritage site, notably as the cradle of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
The Godawaya Shipwreck Expedition
via the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, 27 March 2024: In a significant collaboration, the U.S. Embassy and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Archaeology Unit embarked on a dive to the Godawaya Shipwreck, Asia-Pacific’s oldest known shipwreck, off the coast of Hambantota. This endeavor, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, aims to document and conserve the ancient maritime site, dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.
via PLOS One, 20 March 2024: A groundbreaking study using starch residue analysis on obsidian tools from Rapa Nui’s Anakena site, dated to AD 1000–1300, has revealed the earliest evidence of human settlement and agriculture on the island. This research uncovered the introduction of Polynesian staples like breadfruit, taro, and yam, alongside previously unrecorded South American crops such as sweet potato, achira, manioc, and others, marking a significant moment in the translocation of traditional crops during the island’s initial colonization.
Beyond Repatriation: Musée Guimet’s Vision for Cultural Dialogue
via South China Morning Post, 22 March 2024: Yannick Lintz, leading Paris’ Musée Guimet, emphasizes provenance in the restitution debate, advocating for open dialogue rather than mere repatriation. The museum, renowned for its diverse Asian art collection, underscores the importance of East-West collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. With initiatives like the upcoming exhibition featuring Cambodian sculptures and partnerships with Chinese institutions, Musée Guimet exemplifies how museums can serve as diplomatic channels, fostering mutual respect and understanding between cultures.