Genes, Gears and Gone Headdresses
The Southeast Asian Archaeology Newsletter for 26 May - 1 June 2025
Selamat pagi! Hope this message finds you well as we kick off a new month—and welcome June with a hearty dose of Southeast Asian archaeological intrigue. This week’s stories run from the deeply ancient to the urgently contemporary: from Bronze Age genomes rewriting our map of human ancestry, to accessibility debates at one of the region’s most iconic temples, to the unsettling theft of a cultural treasure in southern Thailand. And with Eid al-Adha just around the corner, we’re also reminded of how sacred spaces—and who gets access to them—continue to shape our heritage landscape in very human ways.
We begin with a story that spans millennia and continents. A new study published in Science has sequenced the genomes of 127 ancient individuals from Yunnan, China, dating back as far as 7,100 years. The findings reveal two distinct lineages: one, the so-called Xingyi ancestry, represents a deeply divergent branch of humanity linked to the ancestors of today’s Tibetan Plateau populations. The other—Central Yunnan ancestry—has now been tied to the proto-Austroasiatic populations whose linguistic and genetic heritage stretches across mainland Southeast Asia. Yunnan, already a hotspot for linguistic diversity, now emerges as a genomic crossroads too.
These revelations challenge long-held assumptions about the spread of agriculture and population movement in East and Southeast Asia. The Central Yunnan ancestry predates the region’s farming boom, suggesting that language and identity may have travelled independently of the plough. Meanwhile, the discovery of the Xingyi lineage lends long-sought genomic weight to theories about Tibetan ethnogenesis. It is a space to watch in the future.
From ancient DNA to modern dilemmas: Borobudur Temple in Central Java is in the spotlight again—not for its stupas, but for its stairlift. Installed just ahead of a state visit by Presidents Prabowo Subianto and Emmanuel Macron, the temporary lift has sparked intense debate. On one side: advocates for accessibility who argue that sacred heritage should be open to the elderly, disabled, and monks who otherwise can’t make the climb. On the other: archaeologists and heritage professionals warning of risks to the structure and the optics of such decisions being rushed without proper consultation.
My own take? Accessibility is not just good—it’s necessary. Southeast Asian temples, for all their beauty, are rarely designed with inclusivity in mind. But accessibility upgrades must go hand-in-hand with transparency, impact studies, and public dialogue. The speed at which Borobudur’s lift appeared, without a formal impact assessment or consultation with conservation stakeholders, raises legitimate concerns—even if the intention was commendable. As always, the challenge is not choosing between progress and preservation, but making room for both.
And then there’s the troubling case from southern Thailand: the theft of a 200-year-old Terid Nora headdress from the Arts and Culture Center at Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University. Discovered missing only weeks after the fact, this ornate brass headdress—bejeweled and donated by descendants of Nora performers—was a precious link to the region’s spiritual and performance traditions. It’s the second major theft at the center in five years, raising uncomfortable questions about institutional oversight and the vulnerabilities of our cultural repositories.
Nora, for those unfamiliar, is a traditional dance-drama of southern Thailand recently recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. It’s not just performance—it’s ritual, memory, and identity made visible. The stolen Terid Nora isn’t just a decorative object; it’s a vessel of community heritage and intergenerational transmission. Its loss is more than a museum’s embarrassment—it’s a cultural wound.
There’s more to explore in the full roundup below, with stories from Penang’s moat revival to Ly Dynasty sculpture, UXO clearance in Laos to the ethics of AI-powered museum exhibits in Singapore. And for my supporters, stay tuned for this Wednesday’s exclusive Rojak — our supporters-only digest of stories that didn’t make it into the main dispatch but are too good to miss.
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:
200-Year-Old Nora Headdress Stolen from Thai University
via Khaosod English, 31 May 2025: A 200-year-old Terid Nora headdress—an essential element of Southern Thailand's sacred Nora dance tradition—has been stolen from the Arts and Culture Center at Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University. The theft, discovered in late May though the object went missing earlier in the month, has shocked the local cultural community and marks the second major loss from the university in five years. Previously donated by descendants of Nora practitioners, the intricately decorated brass headdress is a unique example of Nakhon Si Thammarat craftsmanship. Authorities are investigating security failures and possible internal involvement.Hue Throne Attack Triggers National Cultural Policy Overhaul
via Vietnam Net, 30 May 2025: The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture has launched a sweeping review of safety and preservation protocols for national treasures following the vandalism of the Nguyen Dynasty throne on May 24. A visitor displaying signs of psychosis climbed onto the throne—an officially designated National Treasure—and broke both armrests. In response, Hue authorities have formally established a National Council of heritage experts, museum officials, and conservators to assess the damage and oversee its restoration. Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued a directive requiring tailored protection, storage, and exhibition plans for every listed national treasure in the country. Restoration of the throne will be led by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center and closely monitored to ensure historical fidelity and technical quality.
See also: VOV, VOV World, Vietnam NetStairlift at Borobudur Sparks Heritage vs. Accessibility Debate
via various sources, 28-29 May 2025: The recent installation of a stairlift at Borobudur has stirred national debate. Originally intended as a temporary measure to accommodate the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the government now considers making the lift permanent. Culture Minister Fadli Zon defended the plan, citing global inclusivity trends and emphasizing that no bolts or drilling were involved. However, archaeologists and heritage professionals, including the Indonesian Archaeological Experts Association, raised alarms about potential damage to the temple’s fragile andesite stones. Critics argue that the move prioritizes convenience and political optics over long-standing preservation efforts. Meanwhile, Borobudur's management and InJourney, the site's operator, insist the lift complies with UNESCO standards and serves genuine accessibility needs, such as allowing elderly monks to worship at the summit.
See also: Tempo, Tempo, Tempo, Indonesia Expat, VOIAngkor’s First Conservation Center Reopens as Education Hub
via Construction & Property, 27 May 2025: An over-century-old building near Bayon Temple has reopened as a research and educational center, marking a milestone in Angkor's conservation story. Once used as the first conservation workshop during the French colonial period, the restored structure will now help educate visitors and locals on the techniques used in temple restoration. Announced by Apsara Authority Deputy Director General Long Kosal, the reopening coincides with Cambodia’s rising tourist numbers—nearly 2 million international visitors in early 2025. The facility will also serve as a lost-and-found station for temple tourists, reinforcing its role in both education and service.
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] Prehistoric genomes from Yunnan reveal ancestry related to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers
via Science, 29 May 2025: New research analyzing 127 ancient genomes from Yunnan province (7,100–1,400 years ago) has revealed two major prehistoric genetic lineages shaping East and Southeast Asian populations. A 7,100-year-old woman from central Yunnan carried a previously unknown Xingyi ancestry, a deeply divergent Asian lineage linked to early Tibetan populations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Meanwhile, later individuals (5,500–1,400 years ago) from central Yunnan showed a distinct Central Yunnan ancestry that contributed to modern Austroasiatic-speaking groups. This study challenges assumptions about the role of agriculture in population dispersals and confirms Yunnan as a key prehistoric nexus of human diversity, with implications reaching from the Tibetan Plateau to Southeast Asia.
See also: Global Times, Xinhua, Phys.org, Popular Archaeology, Cosmos[Paper] Towards New Futures for Archaeological Data Production: Challenging Archaeonormativity through Storytelling
via Journal of Field Archaeology, 27 May 2025: A team of archaeologists led by Sara Perry and colleagues argues that conventional archaeological data practices—especially in the Global North—suffer from “archaeonormativity,” a system that strips away emotion, agency, and complexity from archaeological work. Their research, part of the Transforming Data Reuse in Archaeology (TETRARCHs) project, explored how storytelling can disrupt these norms by embedding affective and personal narratives into routine data-making. Through experimental techniques like sound clips, annotated finds labels, and collaborative visualization, the team sought to democratize and humanize fieldwork. While challenges emerged—such as institutional resistance, epistemic anxiety, and lack of community integration—the project shows how storytelling offers a powerful route toward equitable, sustainable archaeological futures. Their call: rethink not just what data is collected, but how and who gets to shape its meaning.[Paper] Maritime Links Between China, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Buddhist Monasteries in India (c. 11th–12th Centuries) in the Light of Two Fragmentary Inscribed Strips of Copper from Muara Jambi
via Religions, 23 May 2025: Two fragmentary inscribed copper strips recovered near Muara Jambi, Sumatra, offer groundbreaking evidence of transregional Buddhist diplomacy in the 11th–12th centuries. The inscriptions—written in Old Malay and likely authentic—mention donations to two Indian monasteries: the Cūḍāmaṇivarmavihāra in Nagapattinam and the Bālādityavihāra in Nālandā. These new finds confirm historical ties between Sumatra, the Indian subcontinent, and China, previously inferred only from South Indian and Chinese texts. Though not found in controlled excavations, linguistic and palaeographic analysis supports their genuineness. The authors propose that the strips were cargo labels for religious donations, possibly lost in transit. This adds rare, local epigraphic evidence to the historical map of Buddhist maritime connectivity in early medieval Asia.
Announcements
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
[Job] Paper Conservator Role at Singapore’s HCC – Apply by 23 Jun
via National Heritage Board, 23 June 2025 (closing date): The Heritage Conservation Centre in Singapore is hiring a Paper Conservator on a two-year contract to join its Paper, Photograph and Digital Media section. The role includes hands-on conservation treatment, preventive care, exhibition support, and administrative duties related to preserving paper-based artworks and artefacts in the National Collection. Applicants should have a conservation background specializing in paper, at least 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication and organizational skills. Experience with Southeast Asian materials or contemporary art is an advantage. The deadline to apply is 23 June 2025.
Upcoming Events
[Back to Contents]
Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
12 June 2025: Archaeoastronomy in Thailand and Indonesia (Bangkok, Thailand)
14 June 2025: Gaps in Southeast Asian Archaeology – Lecture 1: Critical Gaps in Southeast Asian Archaeological Research (Online)
19 Jun 2025: Bagan at Risk: Conflict, Culture and Conservation (Bangkok, Thailand)
22-28 June 2025: World Archaeological Congress (WAC-10) (Darwin, Australia)
27-28 June 2025: Southeast Asia Library Group Annual Meeting (Passau, Germany)
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)
9-12 October 2025: 9th Symposium of the International Association for the Study of Silk Road Textiles (Berkeley CA, USA)
27 October - 6 November 2025: Asian Prehistory Today (UISPP) (Salatiga, Sangiran, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
14-15 November 2025: Bengal Symposium: Archaeology, History, and Heritage Beyond Colonial Divides (Online)
2-11 February 2026: Angkor and the Rise of Southeast Asian Civilization (Cambodia)
2026: The Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association Congress (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Southeast Asia]
[Paper] Prehistoric genomes from Yunnan reveal ancestry related to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers
via Science, 29 May 2025: New research analyzing 127 ancient genomes from Yunnan province (7,100–1,400 years ago) has revealed two major prehistoric genetic lineages shaping East and Southeast Asian populations. A 7,100-year-old woman from central Yunnan carried a previously unknown Xingyi ancestry, a deeply divergent Asian lineage linked to early Tibetan populations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Meanwhile, later individuals (5,500–1,400 years ago) from central Yunnan showed a distinct Central Yunnan ancestry that contributed to modern Austroasiatic-speaking groups. This study challenges assumptions about the role of agriculture in population dispersals and confirms Yunnan as a key prehistoric nexus of human diversity, with implications reaching from the Tibetan Plateau to Southeast Asia.
See also: Global Times, Xinhua, Phys.org, Popular Archaeology, Cosmos
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
APSARA Launches Youth Eco-Education Program at Angkor
via Khmer Times, 30 May 2025: APSARA National Authority organized an environmental awareness training program for 383 primary school students at the Angkor site, aiming to promote environmental responsibility among the youth. Held in collaboration with three local schools in Angkor Thom District, the event focused on teaching children the value of protecting both the cultural and natural heritage of Angkor.Angkor's Guardians: APSARA Highlights 30 Years of Conservation
via The Phnom Penh Post, 28 May 2025: At a press conference on May 27, APSARA National Authority deputy director-general Long Kosal outlined the agency's achievements over its 30-year history managing the Angkor Archaeological Park. Major accomplishments include temple conservation, archaeological research, sustainable tourism development, and international collaboration. Kosal also highlighted infrastructure upgrades, water and forest resource management, and the creation of Run Ta Ek village for relocated residents. Emphasizing that “Angkor was never abandoned,” Kosal praised generations of Cambodians for preserving this national treasure, now visited by millions annually.Angkor’s First Conservation Center Reopens as Education Hub
via Construction & Property, 27 May 2025: An over-century-old building near Bayon Temple has reopened as a research and educational center, marking a milestone in Angkor's conservation story. Once used as the first conservation workshop during the French colonial period, the restored structure will now help educate visitors and locals on the techniques used in temple restoration. Announced by Apsara Authority Deputy Director General Long Kosal, the reopening coincides with Cambodia’s rising tourist numbers—nearly 2 million international visitors in early 2025. The facility will also serve as a lost-and-found station for temple tourists, reinforcing its role in both education and service.UNESCO Helps Koh Ker Prepare for Climate and Disaster Risks
via UNESCO/NAPV, 26 May 2025: In response to ICOMOS recommendations, UNESCO is assisting Cambodia’s National Authority for Preah Vihear (NAPV) in developing a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Management Plan for the Koh Ker World Heritage Site. Through field assessments and stakeholder workshops involving 55 participants—including local officials, scholars, and monks—the initiative aims to identify and mitigate risks to both the site's ancient structures and surrounding communities. With expert input from UNESCO and national consultants, the plan will address threats posed by climate change, erosion, and human activity. The DRR strategy is expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, ensuring long-term protection of Koh Ker’s cultural and environmental heritage.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
Macron Visits Borobudur, Launches Cultural Partnership with Indonesia
via VOI, 30 May 2025: During a landmark visit to Borobudur Temple on May 29, French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated a Strategic Cultural Partnership, affirming shared commitments to heritage, tolerance, and global collaboration. Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized Borobudur's role as a “living civilization” and soft power symbol. Key partnerships include museum and heritage cooperation with the Guimet Museum, film and creative industry exchanges, and support for young talent. French First Lady Brigitte Macron also explored the site with Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, highlighting plans for joint cultural promotions such as Indonesian Gastronomy Week in France and textile showcases abroad.
See also: ANTARAIndonesia Opens Borobudur Hub for International Cultural Exchange
via ANTARA, 30 May 2025: Indonesia officially launched the Borobudur Cultural Center (BCC) in Magelang, Central Java, to serve as a hub for global cultural exchange, education, and spirituality. Opened by Culture Minister Fadli Zon during the Indonesia–France Cultural Dialogue and attended by French Minister Rachida Dati and First Lady Brigitte Macron, the center aims to foster international collaboration. The debut exhibition, Borobudur: Symphony of Civilization, showcases 108 objects—including reconstructed ancient instruments and weapons seen in Borobudur’s reliefs—highlighting the temple’s historic role as a cultural crossroads since the 8th century.Indonesia and France Seal Cultural Partnership at Borobudur
via ANTARA, 30 May 2025: Indonesia and France signed a comprehensive cultural cooperation agreement at Borobudur Temple on 29 May 2025, during French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit. The deal includes five key areas: museum partnerships, film collaboration, capacity-building for young filmmakers, joint research with EFEO, and museum development with the Guimet Museum. The agreement, signed by Ministers Fadli Zon and Rachida Dati, aligns with the broader “Indonesia-France Joint Vision 2050.” It aims to bridge institutions and cultural actors while promoting Indonesian heritage and creativity in the global arena.
See also: ANTARAStairlift at Borobudur Sparks Heritage vs. Accessibility Debate
via various sources, 28-29 May 2025: The recent installation of a stairlift at Borobudur has stirred national debate. Originally intended as a temporary measure to accommodate the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, the government now considers making the lift permanent. Culture Minister Fadli Zon defended the plan, citing global inclusivity trends and emphasizing that no bolts or drilling were involved. However, archaeologists and heritage professionals, including the Indonesian Archaeological Experts Association, raised alarms about potential damage to the temple’s fragile andesite stones. Critics argue that the move prioritizes convenience and political optics over long-standing preservation efforts. Meanwhile, Borobudur's management and InJourney, the site's operator, insist the lift complies with UNESCO standards and serves genuine accessibility needs, such as allowing elderly monks to worship at the summit.
See also: Tempo, Tempo, Tempo, Indonesia Expat, VOITemporary Chairlift Installed at Borobudur for Presidential Visit
via VOI, 26 May 2025: Culture Minister Fadli Zon has clarified that there are no plans to install an escalator at Borobudur Temple. The confusion arose from a viral video misinterpreting temporary accessibility measures as escalator construction. In reality, a portable chairlift was installed to assist elderly and disabled visitors, including during the recent visit of President Emmanuel Macron. The chairlift was designed to be non-invasive, requiring no drilling or permanent alterations, and has since been removed. The Ministry emphasizes that any future accessibility improvements will adhere to strict conservation standards to preserve the temple's UNESCO World Heritage status.
See also: VOI, VOI[Paper] Maritime Links Between China, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Buddhist Monasteries in India (c. 11th–12th Centuries) in the Light of Two Fragmentary Inscribed Strips of Copper from Muara Jambi
via Religions, 23 May 2025: Two fragmentary inscribed copper strips recovered near Muara Jambi, Sumatra, offer groundbreaking evidence of transregional Buddhist diplomacy in the 11th–12th centuries. The inscriptions—written in Old Malay and likely authentic—mention donations to two Indian monasteries: the Cūḍāmaṇivarmavihāra in Nagapattinam and the Bālādityavihāra in Nālandā. These new finds confirm historical ties between Sumatra, the Indian subcontinent, and China, previously inferred only from South Indian and Chinese texts. Though not found in controlled excavations, linguistic and palaeographic analysis supports their genuineness. The authors propose that the strips were cargo labels for religious donations, possibly lost in transit. This adds rare, local epigraphic evidence to the historical map of Buddhist maritime connectivity in early medieval Asia.
Laos
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Laos]
New Zealand Quietly Clears Bombs in Laos for 20 Years
via RNZ, 29 May 2025: New Zealand has spent over two decades supporting Laos in clearing unexploded ordnance, a lingering and deadly legacy of the U.S. bombing campaign during the Vietnam War. With over 80 million UXOs scattered across the country, efforts have focused on high-risk provinces like Xiengkhouang, home to the UNESCO-listed Plain of Jars. Through its Defence Force, NGOs like Quality Solutions International, and funding from MFAT, New Zealand has helped clear nearly 5,000 hectares of land, benefiting over 420,000 people. UXO-related accidents have dropped significantly thanks to a combination of clearance operations and community education, making land safe for farming and tourism once again.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Penang Revives Fort Cornwallis Moat with RM23.4mil Upgrade
via The Star, 28 May 2025: Restoration of the western moat at Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang, is set to be completed by July 2025, following the successful restoration of the southern moat last year. The RM23.4 million project, funded by the Penang government, Think City, and the Hasanah Foundation, uses traditional building methods and incorporates ecological features like bio-retention swales and sand filters. Together, the restored moats form a 4,000 sq m basin supporting urban biodiversity and flood mitigation.Century-Old Parang and 1960s Sunhats Donated to Sarawak Museum
via Sarawak Tribune, 27 May 2025: The Sarawak Museum Department has received five significant artefacts that enhance the understanding of Borneo's cultural heritage. Among them is a nearly 100-year-old parang from Tebakang, Serian, linked to early 20th-century headhunting practices and passed down through generations. Two Lun Bawang sunhats from the 1960s, acquired during the formation of Malaysia by Canadian educators Bill and Pam Lavery, were donated by their son, John Lavery. Additionally, two unglazed ceramic vases discovered in the 1970s off the coast of Santubong were contributed by Mohd Rizal bin Bujang.
See also: New Straits Times, The Star
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
[Job] Paper Conservator Role at Singapore’s HCC – Apply by 23 Jun
via National Heritage Board, 23 June 2025 (closing date): The Heritage Conservation Centre in Singapore is hiring a Paper Conservator on a two-year contract to join its Paper, Photograph and Digital Media section. The role includes hands-on conservation treatment, preventive care, exhibition support, and administrative duties related to preserving paper-based artworks and artefacts in the National Collection. Applicants should have a conservation background specializing in paper, at least 3–5 years of relevant experience, and strong communication and organizational skills. Experience with Southeast Asian materials or contemporary art is an advantage. The deadline to apply is 23 June 2025.Talk to a Kebaya? Peranakan Museum Launches AI-Powered Exhibit
via CNA Lifestyle, 30 May 2025: The Peranakan Museum in Singapore has launched a pilot AI initiative with OpenAI and French studio Ask Mona that lets visitors "chat" with artefacts like kebayas and kamcheng jars. Accessible via a mobile web app, the AI-generated conversations aim to make cultural learning more engaging and less intimidating. By drawing only from museum-curated data, the project ensures accuracy while encouraging informal, curious questions. The app is not hosted within the museum but available globally via the OpenAI Forum.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
200-Year-Old Nora Headdress Stolen from Thai University
via Khaosod English, 31 May 2025: A 200-year-old Terid Nora headdress—an essential element of Southern Thailand's sacred Nora dance tradition—has been stolen from the Arts and Culture Center at Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University. The theft, discovered in late May though the object went missing earlier in the month, has shocked the local cultural community and marks the second major loss from the university in five years. Previously donated by descendants of Nora practitioners, the intricately decorated brass headdress is a unique example of Nakhon Si Thammarat craftsmanship. Authorities are investigating security failures and possible internal involvement.From Isaan to Philadelphia: Thai Archaeologist Reconnects with Roots
via The Isaan Record, 29 May 2025: Nichanan “Mew” Klangwichai, a Thai archaeologist and curator from Udon Thani, joined the Penn Museum’s Ban Chiang Ethnographic Collection Project to help re-document artifacts collected in the early 1980s. Her work involved identifying and contextualizing everyday objects used by Thai-Lao villagers, drawing from her own upbringing, family memories, and community networks. Mew’s research uncovered linguistic, material, and cultural details that had been obscured by time and limited documentation. By engaging elders and local experts in the process, she helped reconstruct the significance of objects like fishing tools and looms. Her journey illustrates the deep connections between archaeology, identity, and community, and reflects broader efforts to decolonize museum collections. Mew now continues this work in Thailand as curator at the Udon Thani City Museum.Thailand Raises Entry Fees for Historical Sites and Museums
via Thaiger, 28 May 2025: Thailand has introduced updated entry fees for national museums and registered historical sites, effective immediately, following the publication of a new ministerial regulation in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. This is the first revision since 2008 and aims to modernize the outdated fee structure under the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art, and National Museums Act. Some popular historical attractions previously had no admission charge at all, prompting this overhaul to ensure better financial sustainability for site maintenance and operations.Lamphun: Thailand’s Ancient City Blossoming in Chiang Mai’s Shadow
via Thai PBS World, 24 May 2025: Just a short train ride south of Chiang Mai, Lamphun offers visitors a tranquil and history-rich escape far from the crowds. As the former capital of the Hariphunchai Kingdom, the town features ancient temples like Wat Phra That Hariphunchai and Wat Chammathewi, as well as excellent local museums. While grounded in over 1,300 years of history, Lamphun is also quietly embracing a cultural revival through artsy cafés, weaving villages, and heritage-centered experiences. Its compact, walkable center, welcoming locals, and hands-on textile culture make Lamphun an ideal destination for slow, immersive travel in northern Thailand.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Ly Dynasty Buddhist Art Shines at National Museum
via Vietnam Net, 31 May 2025: The Vietnam National Museum of History has launched Dance of Zen Gate, a new exhibition celebrating the Buddhist art of the Ly dynasty (11th–13th century), a high point in Vietnamese aesthetic and spiritual history. Ly-era Buddhist art is characterized by serene yet majestic forms, masterful sculpture, and ceramics with lotus motifs, dragons, and celestial beings. On display are exquisite stone and terracotta sculptures from Phat Tich Pagoda, including Kinnari figures, moon lutes, and stylized dancer heads. The exhibition not only highlights the technical and spiritual sophistication of the Ly period but also integrates digital technology to bring this heritage alive for modern audiences.Hue Throne Attack Triggers National Cultural Policy Overhaul
via Vietnam Net, 30 May 2025: The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture has launched a sweeping review of safety and preservation protocols for national treasures following the vandalism of the Nguyen Dynasty throne on May 24. A visitor displaying signs of psychosis climbed onto the throne—an officially designated National Treasure—and broke both armrests. In response, Hue authorities have formally established a National Council of heritage experts, museum officials, and conservators to assess the damage and oversee its restoration. Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued a directive requiring tailored protection, storage, and exhibition plans for every listed national treasure in the country. Restoration of the throne will be led by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center and closely monitored to ensure historical fidelity and technical quality.
See also: VOV, VOV World, Vietnam NetNguyen Dynasty Throne Damage Highlights Hue’s Heritage Crisis
via Vietnam.vn, 28 May 2025: The recent vandalism of the Nguyen Dynasty throne in Hue by a tourist has shocked Vietnam, but it is just one in a series of alarming damages to national treasures in the city. Other affected artefacts include the early 18th-century “Royal View of Thien Mu Pagoda” stele and the massive Great Bell of Thien Mu Pagoda, both of which have been defaced by visitors with carvings and graffiti. The Nine Divine Cannons, cast in 1804 under Gia Long, have even had trash stuffed into their barrels. While most of these relics are housed behind low wooden fences, they remain vulnerable to disrespectful tourist behaviour. The incidents raise serious concerns over the effectiveness of current heritage protection measures in Vietnam’s former imperial capital.See also: Tuổi Trẻ
National Treasure Defaced: Calls for Stronger Protection Measures
via SGGP, 27 May 2025: The Nguyen Dynasty throne at Hue's Thai Hoa Palace was vandalized on May 24, 2025, by a man exhibiting erratic behavior. The throne, a national treasure, suffered damage to its left armrest. This incident has ignited widespread concern over the protection of Vietnam's cultural heritage. Authorities are investigating the event, and experts are calling for stricter enforcement of heritage protection laws and improved security measures to prevent future occurrences.
See also: Vietnam Net, Tuoi Tre News, SGGPGiac Lam Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh City's 300-Year-Old Buddhist Gem
via VietnamNet, 27 May 2025: Giac Lam Pagoda, established in 1744 in Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Binh District, is one of Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temples. Recognized as a National Historic and Cultural Monument in 1988, the pagoda is renowned for its traditional southern Vietnamese architecture, including a seven-story stupa housing sacred Buddha relics. The temple's interior boasts over 100 gold-gilded statues, reflecting a rich tapestry of Buddhist iconography. Giac Lam Pagoda continues to be a significant spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting both devotees and tourists alike.Nguyen Dynasty Garments Repatriated to Hue Museum
via Vietnam.vn, 20 May 2025: The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has received two traditional dresses belonging to Lady Từ Cung, the last Queen Mother of the Nguyễn Dynasty and mother of Emperor Bảo Đại. Donated by Cong Tôn Nữ Kim Chi—herself a royal descendant—these everyday garments were repatriated from the U.S. via her relative, Phạm Xuân Cường. The dresses, gifted by Lady Từ Cung in the 1960s and preserved abroad since, will be displayed at the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.
See also: Bảo tàng Lịch sử Quốc gia
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
Buddha Relics Auction Cancelled After Global Backlash
via The Conversation, 30 May 2025: Sotheby’s Hong Kong abruptly cancelled the auction of the Piprahwa Gems—relics linked to the historical Buddha—following international protest, especially from Buddhist communities and the Indian government. The relics, excavated in 1898 by British landowner William Caxton Peppé in India, had been partially retained by his family and recently offered for sale by his descendant, Chris Peppé. Though legally owned, the auction faced widespread criticism as sacrilegious and colonial in nature. The Indian government is now seeking repatriation. The controversy reignited debates on the ethics of selling sacred objects, the role of museums in legitimizing private collections, and the unresolved legacy of colonial-era archaeological practices.[Paper] Prehistoric genomes from Yunnan reveal ancestry related to Tibetans and Austroasiatic speakers
via Science, 29 May 2025: New research analyzing 127 ancient genomes from Yunnan province (7,100–1,400 years ago) has revealed two major prehistoric genetic lineages shaping East and Southeast Asian populations. A 7,100-year-old woman from central Yunnan carried a previously unknown Xingyi ancestry, a deeply divergent Asian lineage linked to early Tibetan populations on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Meanwhile, later individuals (5,500–1,400 years ago) from central Yunnan showed a distinct Central Yunnan ancestry that contributed to modern Austroasiatic-speaking groups. This study challenges assumptions about the role of agriculture in population dispersals and confirms Yunnan as a key prehistoric nexus of human diversity, with implications reaching from the Tibetan Plateau to Southeast Asia.
See also: Global Times, Xinhua, Phys.org, Popular Archaeology, Cosmos[Paper] Towards New Futures for Archaeological Data Production: Challenging Archaeonormativity through Storytelling
via Journal of Field Archaeology, 27 May 2025: A team of archaeologists led by Sara Perry and colleagues argues that conventional archaeological data practices—especially in the Global North—suffer from “archaeonormativity,” a system that strips away emotion, agency, and complexity from archaeological work. Their research, part of the Transforming Data Reuse in Archaeology (TETRARCHs) project, explored how storytelling can disrupt these norms by embedding affective and personal narratives into routine data-making. Through experimental techniques like sound clips, annotated finds labels, and collaborative visualization, the team sought to democratize and humanize fieldwork. While challenges emerged—such as institutional resistance, epistemic anxiety, and lack of community integration—the project shows how storytelling offers a powerful route toward equitable, sustainable archaeological futures. Their call: rethink not just what data is collected, but how and who gets to shape its meaning.