Marhaba and a warm welcome to our thriving community! This week marks a momentous occasion as we soar past the 2,000-subscriber milestone. By way of introduction to our new members, I'm Noel, the voice behind this weekly digest and the curator of Southeast Asian Archaeology, which I have been running in my personal capacity since 2006. By day, I am the Senior Specialist in Archaeology at the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Archaeology and Fine Arts (SPAFA) in Bangkok, Thailand. Currently, I'm touring the U.S., sharing insights about the rock art of Southeast Asia, my main research interest. Thank you for choosing to subscribe; and I hope that this newsletter is both enlightening and engaging for you.
Our journey through this week in Southeast Asian archaeology begins with a reflective pause to honour Em Phearak, a cherished Cambodian colleague who recently passed away unexpectedly. We remember him for this dedication to the study and preservation of Khmer heritage. In a significant move to protect its historical treasures, Vietnam proposes stringent legislation to ban the export of antiquities and national treasures. This initiative underscores a commitment to preserving the nation's past for future generations. Beyond the conventional confines of our region, an intriguing discovery in Assam, India, mirrors the mysterious jar sites of Laos, suggesting ancient ties and shared cultural practices that bears further exploration and study.
Amidst our growing community of over 2,000 subscribers, I would like to acknowledge my newest supporter, E, and our recurring patron, Eberhard Freiß, who bought me a coffee in last week. Thank you, your generosity helps with the overheads in running this newsletter and website. All supporters get access to the full archive of newsletters on Substack, and also gets the occasional bonus newsletter.
In the spirit of community and shared celebrations, I extend heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes to our Muslim readers observing Eid al-Fitr on April 10. May this joyous occasion envelop you in peace, happiness, and the cherished company of loved ones, reflecting the rich cultural mosaic that unites us. Until the next edition, I wish you all a journey filled with enlightening discoveries and the warm glow of Eid celebrations.
And now, onto 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 upgrading to a paid subscription, or by buying me a coffee.
Highlights of the Week
In no particular order, here are five of the most popular stories from this week:
Another wave of dispute as academic called out for misinformation on Malacca
via The Rakyat Post, 03 April 2024: French historian Serge Jardin challenges Prof Datuk Dr Hashim Musa’s controversial claims about Melaka’s maritime history made during a seminar in Melaka. Dr Hashim, from Universiti Putra Malaysia, is accused of misrepresenting historical facts, including the false identification of a Dutch fleet as Portuguese and misinterpreting local landmarks. The same professor was called out by the same historian for authoring the fallacious Malay Jong paper.
Stone Jars of Northeast India with a Possible Cultural Link to Laos
via Assam Sentinel, 04 April 2024: In Dima Hasao, Assam, an expedition has uncovered remarkable stone jars akin to those at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, suggesting a shared ancient practice of using jars as burial repositories. Led by a team of archaeologists and cultural experts, the exploration of Longkhai Hamrim Hading and Kolsi Tilla sites revealed jars with human remains and unique features, shedding light on the region’s rich heritage and the potential links between cultures across Asia.
Tragic Loss of Promising Archaeologist Em Phearak Shocks Community
via Popular Magazine, 30 March 2024: The archaeological community is mourning the sudden loss of Em Phearak, an outstanding young archaeologist dedicated to the conservation and preservation of national cultural heritage in the Royal University of Fine Arts. Em, known for his meaningful contribution to society and passion for cultural heritage conservation, tragically passed away in a traffic accident. h/t Alison in Cambodia.
Federal Agents Targeted Emma Bunker in Latchford Antiquities Case
via Denver Post, 31 March 2024: Federal investigators aimed to question Emma C. Bunker, the Colorado academic implicated in the illicit antiquities trade, prior to her death in 2021. Bunker, linked to disgraced antiques dealer Douglas Latchford, was a key figure in a scandal involving looted Cambodian relics. Despite never facing charges, her involvement raised suspicions about her role in facilitating the trade of dubious artifacts, some of which ended up in the Denver Art Museum. The museum has since distanced itself from Bunker, removing her name from its Southeast Asia gallery and returning questionable donations.
Apsara Authority Warns Against Sharing Offensive Angkor Images
via Khmer Times, 02 April 2024: The Apsara National Authority has issued a public plea to refrain from sharing disrespectful images of cultural sites, following a provocative photo circulated on social media depicting a woman disrespecting a sculpture at Angkor Wat. This act, considered offensive and harmful to Cambodian cultural pride and international relations, has prompted ANA to seek legal action against the creator. The authority emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing, to combat misinformation and uphold the sanctity of Cambodia’s national treasures.
Featured Books and Recommendations - Islamic Art and Archaeology
[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.
Magic and Divination in Malay Illustrated Manuscripts by Farouk Yahya
Muslim Cultures of the Indian Ocean: Diversity and Pluralism, Past and Present by Stéphane Pradines and Farouk Topan (eds.)
Malay Seals from the Islamic World of Southeast Asia by Annabel Teh Gallop
Routledge Handbook of Islam in Southeast Asia by Syed Muhammad Khairudin Aljunied
Islamic Art and Architecture by Robert Hillenbrand
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.
[Free Book] Quaternary Palaeontology and Archaeology of Sumatra
via ANU Press: A new volume edited by Louys et al examines the archaeology of Sumatra. The volume is Open Access, so it's free to download.
[Paper] Archaeological and molecular evidence for ancient chickens in Central Asia
via Nature Communications, 02 April 2024: Recent archaeological and molecular studies reveal that chickens, domesticated for their egg-laying abilities, were integral to diets across southern Central Asia from the 4th century BC. This research, spotlighting eggshell evidence from various sites, suggests that chickens’ dispersal may have aligned with the ancient Silk Road, marking a significant step in understanding domestication timelines and practices. The transformation of chickens from seasonal layers to prolific egg producers through selective breeding underscores the evolving human-animal relationship and the agricultural advancements along this historic trade route.
Announcements
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Contact me if you have a call for papers or job posting that you want to publicise.
Call for applications: 6th World Heritage Site Managers’ Forum | ICCROM
Applications are open for the 6th World Heritage Site Managers' Forum which will be held in New Delhi in July. The deadline for applications is 25 April 2024.
[Job] Full-Time Research Fellow Positions|Institute of History and Philology, Academia Sinica
Research Fellow position available at Academia Sinica with a focus on indigenous or public archaeology in Taiwan. Deadline is 31 May 2024.
Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme
Scholarship opportunity for Indonesian students to do a master's degree in heritage in the Netherlands. Deadline is 15 April 2024.
Upcoming Events
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Contact me if you have an event, public lecture or job posting that you want to publicise.
7-13 April 2024: Crouching Tigers, Hidden Elephants (Petaluma, San Francisco, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver)
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)
Cambodia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Cambodia]
Cambodia’s Temples Beyond Angkor Wat
via National Geographic, 04 April 2024: Cambodia’s rich history extends far beyond the famed Angkor Wat, with hidden gems like Koh Ker, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, showcasing the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. These lesser-known sites, including the towering Prasat Prang pyramid, the brick temples of Sambor Prei Kuk, the cliffside Preah Vihear, and the extensive Banteay Chhmar complex, offer a glimpse into Cambodia’s ancient architectural prowess and the spiritual depth of its past civilizations, away from the tourist crowds.
Apsara Authority Warns Against Sharing Offensive Angkor Images
via Khmer Times, 02 April 2024: The Apsara National Authority has issued a public plea to refrain from sharing disrespectful images of cultural sites, following a provocative photo circulated on social media depicting a woman disrespecting a sculpture at Angkor Wat. This act, considered offensive and harmful to Cambodian cultural pride and international relations, has prompted ANA to seek legal action against the creator. The authority emphasizes the importance of verifying information before sharing, to combat misinformation and uphold the sanctity of Cambodia’s national treasures.
Cambodia Aims for UNESCO Nod for Sankranta Festival
via Khmer Times, 01 April 2024: Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts to seek UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for Sankranta in Cambodia by 2026, emphasizing the importance of preserving Cambodian traditions such as the Khmer New Year. This initiative aims to secure Cambodia’s cultural legacy on the international stage, amidst concerns of cultural appropriation following Thailand’s Songkran inclusion.
Angkor Welcomes 47% More Tourists
via Khmer Times, 02 April 2024: Angkor Archaeological Park has seen a significant surge in tourism, with 385,769 foreign visitors in the first quarter of the year, marking a 47% increase from the previous year. This uptick in tourism has led to a 48% jump in revenue, totaling $16.5 million from entrance ticket sales.
Cambodia Nominates Heritage Sites and Traditions for UNESCO Lists
via Xinhua/Straits Times, 31 March 2024: Cambodia, under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, is set to nominate ten cultural properties, including seven tangible and three intangible assets, for UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The move aims to gain international recognition and preservation for significant sites like Banteay Chhmar Temple, Phnom Kulen, and cultural practices such as the Cambodian Songkran and Khmer wedding traditions.
Local Artisans Lead Restoration Efforts at Angkor’s Ta Prohm
via Khmer Times, 29 March 2024: Residents of Angkor, embodying the role of guardians and protectors, are integral to the preservation of the historic temples within the Angkor Archaeological Park. Skilled workers like 32-year-old Prean Do and 58-year-old Top Tang are dedicated to meticulous tasks such as finding and reassembling fallen stones, particularly at the restoration site of Ta Prohm’s South Gate. These efforts are not only about maintaining the physical structures but also about preserving the temple’s original aesthetics. Many of these artisans come from families that have contributed to Angkor’s restoration for generations, ensuring the transfer of invaluable knowledge and skills to safeguard this heritage for the future.
Reviving the Giants: Restoration of Ancient Statue at Angkor’s Phnom Bakheng
via Xinhua, 29 March 2024: Cambodian archaeologists, under the APSARA National Authority, have initiated the restoration of a severely damaged, ancient sandstone statue at Phnom Bakheng temple in the Angkor Archaeological Park. The statue, which has lost identifiable features such as its head, arms, and right leg, was previously restored by EFEO. The current restoration involves repairing the base, fixing cracks, and replacing missing parts with newly carved stones, all aimed at preserving the cultural heritage of the late ninth-century temple.
Tragic Loss of Promising Archaeologist Em Phearak Shocks Community
via Popular Magazine, 30 March 2024: The archaeological community is mourning the sudden loss of Em Phearak, an outstanding young archaeologist dedicated to the conservation and preservation of national cultural heritage in the Royal University of Fine Arts. Em, known for his meaningful contribution to society and passion for cultural heritage conservation, tragically passed away in a traffic accident. h/t Alison in Cambodia.
Federal Agents Targeted Emma Bunker in Latchford Antiquities Case
via Denver Post, 31 March 2024: Federal investigators aimed to question Emma C. Bunker, the Colorado academic implicated in the illicit antiquities trade, prior to her death in 2021. Bunker, linked to disgraced antiques dealer Douglas Latchford, was a key figure in a scandal involving looted Cambodian relics. Despite never facing charges, her involvement raised suspicions about her role in facilitating the trade of dubious artifacts, some of which ended up in the Denver Art Museum. The museum has since distanced itself from Bunker, removing her name from its Southeast Asia gallery and returning questionable donations.
Indonesia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Indonesia]
[Free Book] Quaternary Palaeontology and Archaeology of Sumatra
via ANU Press: A new volume edited by Louys et al examines the archaeology of Sumatra. The volume is Open Access, so it's free to download.
Preserving the Past: The Story of Bio Farma’s Heritage Building
via Antara News, 30 March 2024: The Bio Farma Heritage Building in Bandung, West Java, stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage, nearly a century after its construction in 1926 by Dutch architect Charles Prosper Wolff Schoemaker. Originally a smallpox vaccine production facility, the building has been meticulously preserved by state-owned Bio Farma, retaining its Dutch colonial characteristics while serving as the company’s administrative center and housing a museum that explores the history of health discoveries.
[Video] Understanding An Ancient Amputation with Dr. Melandri Vlok
via Albert Lin – National Geographic Explorer, 29 March 2024: Podcast/YouTube video interview with Dr. Melandri Vlok on the recent paper about prehistoric amputation in Borneo.
Cultural Heritage Scholarship Programme
Scholarship opportunity for Indonesian students to do a master's degree in heritage in the Netherlands. Deadline is 15 April 2024.
Malaysia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Malaysia]
Another wave of dispute as academic called out for misinformation on Malacca
via The Rakyat Post, 03 April 2024: French historian Serge Jardin challenges Prof Datuk Dr Hashim Musa’s controversial claims about Melaka’s maritime history made during a seminar in Melaka. Dr Hashim, from Universiti Putra Malaysia, is accused of misrepresenting historical facts, including the false identification of a Dutch fleet as Portuguese and misinterpreting local landmarks. The same professor was called out by the same historian for authoring the fallacious Malay Jong paper.
Philippines
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of the Philippines]
National Museum Assures Return of Historic Cebu Panels
via Rappler, 04 April 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines, under Director General Jeremy Barns, commits to returning the historic pulpit panels from the Boljoon church in Cebu, while addressing the complex issue of ownership separately. Despite differing perspectives on whether the panels were sold or stolen, Barns emphasizes a collaborative approach to ensure their safe return and appropriate sharing, considering their fragility and historical significance. The museum aims for a resolution that honors Cebuano heritage and satisfies all stakeholders, reflecting the importance of these artifacts in the cultural narrative of the Philippines.
Governor Garcia Urges Swift Action on Boljoon Panels
via various sources, 02-04 April 2024: Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is in a heated dispute with the National Museum of the Philippines over the repatriation of four historic pulpit panels from Boljoon Church, reported stolen in the ’80s and resurfaced in a private NMP exhibit. Despite a scheduled meeting on April 30, Garcia insists on an immediate dialogue, backed by the Cebu Provincial Board’s authorization for potential legal action against NMP.
Lake Lanao Settlements Date Back 6,000 Years, Study Finds
via Minda News, 31 March 2024: A groundbreaking archaeological survey in Lanao del Sur, Philippines, led by Dr. Lee Neri from the University of the Philippines, has unearthed artifacts dating settlements back to the Neolithic Period around 4,000 BC. Conducted across nine towns, this survey marks Lanao del Sur’s inaugural archaeological exploration, revealing its historical and cultural richness.
Singapore
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Singapore]
Singapore Unveils New Heritage Trail on Changi’s Hidden Gems
via SG Magazine, 27 March 2024: The National Heritage Board’s latest initiative, the Changi Heritage Trail, invites locals and tourists alike to explore the unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty in Changi, Singapore. This self-guided trail, comprising three thematic routes and 23 heritage sites, offers a deep dive into the area’s past, from its kampong days and historical landmarks like the Sree Ramar Temple to the strategic military significance of the region. Highlights include stories of childhood mischief, the rich tapestry of Changi’s communities, and the transformative development of Changi Airport.
Thailand
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Thailand]
Thai Traditional Dress and Muay Thai Aim for UNESCO Heritage Status
via Pattaya Mail, 28 March 2024: Thailand is seeking UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognition for its traditional dress and the martial art of Muay Thai, emblematic of Thai culture. The Culture Ministry, with the Department of Cultural Promotion, is preparing submissions by March 31, 2024, following the successful inclusion of other cultural elements like “Tom Yum Kung.” Thai traditional dress, reflecting over 1400 years of history and Queen Sirikit’s efforts in the 1960s, alongside Muay Thai, with its 300-year legacy and ritualistic Wai Kru Ram Muay dance, embody Thailand’s rich cultural identity and heritage.
Vietnam
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of Vietnam]
Vietnam Nominates ‘Mo Muong’ and ‘Cheo’ for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage lists
via Vietnam Plus, 29 March 2024: Vietnam is set to nominate “Mo Muong” and the “art of Cheo” for inscription into UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage lists, as decided by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha. “Mo Muong,” a folk performance genre deeply rooted in the Muong ethnic community, aims for urgent safeguarding, while “Cheo,” a traditional theatre art widespread in the Red River Delta, seeks inclusion in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Vietnam to Ban Export of Antiquities and National Treasures
via Vietnam News, 29 March 2024: Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a significant amendment to the Cultural Heritage Law, aiming to prohibit the international trade and export of national treasures and relics. This draft amendment ensures that such items, regardless of being publicly or privately owned, can only be transferred, exchanged, donated, or inherited within the country. The move seeks to bolster the internal circulation of cultural heritage items, thereby enhancing their value, while aligning with international conventions and safeguarding the nation’s historical and cultural assets from illegal activities and overseas loss.
Peripheral Southeast Asia
[Back to Contents] [Archaeology of ‘Peripheral’ Southeast Asia]
Stone Jars of Northeast India with a Possible Cultural Link to Laos
via Assam Sentinel, 04 April 2024: In Dima Hasao, Assam, an expedition has uncovered remarkable stone jars akin to those at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos, suggesting a shared ancient practice of using jars as burial repositories. Led by a team of archaeologists and cultural experts, the exploration of Longkhai Hamrim Hading and Kolsi Tilla sites revealed jars with human remains and unique features, shedding light on the region’s rich heritage and the potential links between cultures across Asia.
[Paper] Archaeological and molecular evidence for ancient chickens in Central Asia
via Nature Communications, 02 April 2024: Recent archaeological and molecular studies reveal that chickens, domesticated for their egg-laying abilities, were integral to diets across southern Central Asia from the 4th century BC. This research, spotlighting eggshell evidence from various sites, suggests that chickens’ dispersal may have aligned with the ancient Silk Road, marking a significant step in understanding domestication timelines and practices. The transformation of chickens from seasonal layers to prolific egg producers through selective breeding underscores the evolving human-animal relationship and the agricultural advancements along this historic trade route.