Rojak #74: Tuktuks, Boats and UAVs

Ushering 2024 with a list of articles that are not about Southeast Asian Archaeology, but kinda are

Welcome to the first Rojak for 2024 - every week I scour the Interwebs for news related to archaeology in Southeast Asia. Sometimes I come across stories that are interesting, but don’t make the cut and so they are mixed in here in this special members-only newsletter. We have a really good mix this time, spanning from the icy passages of the Bering Strait to the bustling streets of Bangkok - including a callback to a Rojak from last year (Hint: no animal sacrifices were involved).

We'll also delve into the controversies surrounding the painting of ancient Buddha statues in China and the premature claims about Homo naledi, offering a glimpse into the complexities of cultural preservation and research ethics. And there's a twist on wildlife in Singapore, tracing back to the colonial era's impact, that may leave you pondering the delicate balance between urban development and natural habitats. If you’re still having a hangover from the New Year celebrations, perhaps this newsletter will provide a thought-provoking and whimsical distraction before having to really get back to work!

The Rojak is a bonus newsletter for the members on Substack and supporters from Buy Me a Coffee. It is named after an exotic salad found in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Thank you for reading, and no sacred statues were torched (by me!) during the making of this newsletter.