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- Convenor:
-
Vincent Pigott
(Asian Section, University of Pennsylvania Museum)
- Location:
- Salle 211 G MAE
- Start time:
- 9 July, 2015 at
Time zone: Europe/Paris
- Session slots:
- 3
Short Abstract:
Recent research in central Thailand has shed new light on Metal Age and Historic Period developments. Topics include copper production and trade, soil geochemistry and smelting, bivalve molds, shell ornament technology, residue analysis and diet, the Ban Kao Culture, the Dvaravati and moated towns.
Long Abstract:
The archaeology of central Thailand was pioneered by the late, great Per Sorensen and colleagues at the site of Ban Kao. Since then a steady increase in archaeology in the region yielded results from a host of Metal Age and Historic Period sites. Several successful site surveys also must be added to the list. Thus the region has an important archaeological history rivaling Northeast Thailand's and provides an opportunity for understanding regional cultural dynamics. The panel presentations speak first to recent research by members of the Thailand Archaeometallurgy Project (TAP) in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley (KWPV) and the Lopburi Regional Archaeological Project (LoRAP). V. C. Pigott provides an overview of the session and discusses prehistoric lifeways and society at the TAP sites. F. Rispoli and R. Ciarla discuss their recent study of marine shell ornament production and its trade. J. Voelker presents her TAP research on bivalve molds. M. Tighe and colleagues focus on a pending coring and soil geochemistry project at TAP/LoRAP sites. T. Lertcharnrit presents on residue analysis, diet and early complex society. B. Vincent discusses Ban Kao ceramic petrography, while I. Yoopom and S. Duangsakul speak about excavations and pottery at the the Ban Kao Culture Neolithic site of Nong Ratchawat. S. Murphy, M. Gallon and N. Revire discuss their interpretations of the Dvaravati. Finally, P. Kanjanajuntorn presents her research on Historic Period, riverine moated towns in West-Central Thailand.
Accepted papers:
Session 1Paper short abstract:
Non Pa Wai, Nil Kham Haeng and Non Mak La are linked to a major, central Thailand-based copper industry. Insights are offered into lifeways/society in this unique prehistoric context as well as into the sites’ material culture-based, long-distance interactions elsewhere in Thailand and beyond.
Paper long abstract:
Central Thailand has a distinguished history of archaeological research that continues today. Scholars presenting in the central Thailand panel offer proof of this fact. This lead-off paper presents an overview of research based on excavations conducted by the joint Thai-American Thailand Archaeometallurgy Project (TAP) at the prehistoric sites of Non Pa Wai, Nil Kham Haeng and Non Mak La in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley (KWPV). Research advances by the TAP team have been made in the fields of archaeometallurgy (the speaker & T.O. Pryce), regional chronology (R. Ciarla), ceramic analysis (F. Rispoli), casting mold typology (J.C. Voelker), bioarchaeology (Chin-hsin Liu), archaeobotany (S.A. Weber, L. Kealhofer), and faunal analysis (K.M. Mudar). As a result, for example, we have new understanding as to where copper-base metal produced in the KWPV was being transported. We have central Thailand's first published, regionally relevant, pre- and proto-historic ceramic sequence linking central Thailand to elsewhere in the country and beyond. Ceramic bivalve casting mold analysis sheds new light on what was being cast at the KWPV sites. New insights also have been achieved in palaeo-diet and subsistence through bioarchaeological and archaeobotanical investigations. Finally, the study of faunal remains offers a preliminary look at protein-based diet, domestication and hunting and gathering of wild food sources. The ultimate aim of such research is to characterize lifeways and society at the three related sites in 2nd/1st millennium BC (and later) central Thailand and some observations in this regard are offered.
Paper short abstract:
Soils-based geochemical survey methodology is used to track downstream "plumes" from previously studied ancient metalworking sites in central Thailand. If successful, this approach will be expanded to regions where metalworking is suspected but for which no sites have as yet been identified.
Paper long abstract:
How copper-base metallurgy spread and developed in Asia is a highly contentious topic. While the spread of metal can be tracked through metal objects in archaeological sites, understanding the ways that metalworking knowledge was transmitted requires studying metalworking sites. Identifying the geochemical signatures that different metalworking techniques may have left in modern surface soils could provide a useful tool in studying the development of metalworking in Southeast Asia. This pilot project will capitalize on previous excavations of metalworking sites in the Lopburi region of central Thailand, under the auspices of the joint Thai Fine Arts Department and University of Pennsylvania Museum Thailand Archaeometallurgy Project [TAP] (Pigott, Weiss & Natapintu 1997; Pigott, Mudar et al. 2006; Rispoli, Ciarla & Pigott 2013). These metalworking sites are ideally suited for a pilot study trialing the use of in-situ geochemical assessment techniques. A rapid survey of elemental soil signatures known to be influenced by metalworking will be compared with known archaeological site details to evaluate the efficacy of the geochemical techniques for identifying site locations and potential metalworking activity areas.
Paper short abstract:
This paper characterizes an assemblage of BVMs excavated from 3 prehistoric sites in central Thailand: Non Pa Wai, Nil Kham Haeng and Non Mak La. These sites comprise a major regional production center for raw copper and finished objects cast in BVMS that were traded across widely in prehistory.
Paper long abstract:
The Thailand Archaeometallurgy Project (TAP), a joint Thai-American initiative, has focused on the origins, development and societal impact of copper-base metallurgy in ancient Thailand. The copper industry present at 3 sites in Khao Wang Prachan Valley (KWPV) of central Thailand (Non Pa Wai, Nil Kham Haeng, Non Mak La) that were investigated by TAP comprise a major regional center for the production of raw copper and finished objects that were traded widely in prehistory. While technical ceramic artifacts that are part of the metal production process common at these sites include: crucibles, furnace chimneys, as well as ingot molds, this paper characterizes a different assemblage of technical ceramics, namely some five hundred, ceramic, bivalve casting molds (BVMs) that were excavated by TAP from three important prehistoric sites: Non Pa Wai, Nil Kham Haeng and Non Mak La. While ceramic bivalve casting molds were widely used throughout Southeast Asia in prehistory, in the KWPV there were used to cast finished copper-base artifacts such as socketed axes, blades, spear points, among other objects. This paper presents both intra and inter-site comparisons to better understand this localized example of the casting over time metal objects in the region of central Thailand and beyond.
Paper short abstract:
The paper presents recent excavations at the Neolithic site of Nong Rachawat, Western Thailand. Grave goods found at this burial site suggest a close relationship with Ban Kao. The paper discusses cultural characteristics of Nong Ratchawat and its inter-regional relations.
Paper long abstract:
The paper presents recent excavations at the Neolithic site of Nong Rachawat, in Suphanburi, Western Thailand, where 84 furnished burials have been unearthed. Grave goods found at the site suggest a cultural relationship with the Ban Kao site in Kanchanaburi, a well known site excavated by the late Per Sorensen in 1960s. Ban Kao became prominent for its evidence of agricultural subsistence and distinctive pottery. Research on the Ban Kao Culture has been conducted by FAD since 2003 in order to further understanding of this prehistoric culture. Fieldwork has been carried out extending to areas further from the Kwai Noi river valley, where the Ban Kao culture was originally found. Numerous sites have been identified, particularly in western valley of the Chao Phraya river (Tha Chin river). The paper discusses the result of excavations at Nong Ratchawat. AMS dates suggest site occupation from ca. 2000 to 1800 BC. This date corresponds with Ban Kao's. Despite their close link, certain types of grave goods from Nong Ratchawat reflect their own cultural identity. Some aspects of their burial practice are distinguishable from Ban Kao's and appear to be similar to some sites east of the Chao Phraya river valley (Pa Sak river). Interestingly, pottery analysis has identified imported wares that happen to be a common type in the Pa Sak river valley area. This research sheds new light on the Neolithic culture and the prehistoric chronology of mainland Southeast Asia.
Paper short abstract:
This paper presents a study of pottery typology of the Ban Kao Culture. New archaeological data from recent survey and excavation has begun to reveal sub-regional characteristics. This paper demonstrates pottery-based cultural contact among various regional sites.
Paper long abstract:
This paper presents a study of pottery typology of the Ban Kao Culture as part of the project conducted by the FAD in Western Thailand. Ban Kao pottery is known for its elaborate designs and sophisticated technology. The late Per Sorensen, director of the Ban Kao excavation in 1960s, had classified the pottery to 26 types, mostly from burials. Recent excavation at Nong Rachawat has produced identical or variations of Ban Kao pottery types, but some types were very unusual and unknown at Ban Kao. The term 'Ban Kao Culture' has now been extended beyond the upper Mae Klong river basin (Kwai Noi river). Several Neolithic sites with Ban Kao type materials have been identified in the Tha Chin river basin. New archaeological data, especially pottery finds from recent survey and excavation, has begun to reveal sub-regional characteristics. Burnished tripods are still a common type, despite variations. The Nong Rachawat ceramics are particularly interesting because they appear to share characteristics of those found both in highland and lowland traditions. This paper demonstrates pottery-based cultural contact among various regional sites. The study results have broadened our understanding of the Ban Kao culture. These ancient people were not only lowland agriculturalists, but also their contemporaries, who resided in the highlands, buried their dead in cave sites. This current research hopes to provide an overview of pottery types of this Neolithic culture and to contribute to our understanding of inter-regional socio-economy.
Paper short abstract:
In this paper I argue that evidence from growing number of sites excavated in central Thailand over the past two decades makes a strong case for postulating a proto-Dvaravati period spanning ca. the fourth to fifth centuries CE.
Paper long abstract:
For more than a century, the transition from prehistory to history in Mainland Southeast Asia has been a central issue of scholarship ever since the first attempts to explain the origins of its "classical states" such as Angkor in Cambodia or Sukhothai in Thailand. The mid-first millennium CE represents a crucial period in the emergence of early polities in Southeast Asia. However, disagreement remains between archaeologists and art historians as to the precise dating of this shift from prehistory to history. This paper focuses on the Dvaravati period and re-evaluates evidence in Thai and Western language publications. A growing number of sites excavated in central Thailand over the past two decades in particular show occupation from ca. the fourth to fifth century onwards while others provide a continual sequence stretching back well into the Iron Age. In this paper I argue that evidence from these sites makes a strong case for postulating a proto-Dvaravati period spanning ca. the fourth to fifth centuries. In doing so it proposes this period as the timeframe within which the Dvaravati polity(s) of central Thailand developed politically, culturally and artistically.
Paper short abstract:
Recent research at several Dvaravati centers has provided new insights into the emergence of the first states and urban centers in central Thailand. This paper examines evidence for interaction between these centers, and how such interaction fueled political change during the first millennium CE.
Paper long abstract:
During the mid to late first millennium CE, shared forms of material culture, urban plans and religious art and architecture emerged across central Thailand, marking the emergence of the archaeological culture known as Dvaravati (c. fifth to tenth centuries CE). Recent archaeological research at Dvaravati sites in central Thailand, particularly the growing body of absolute dates from excavations, has made significant strides in revising our understanding of when this transition took place; however, we are still in the initial stages of exploring the processes that led to the emergence of the Dvaravati cultural horizon. Building on the concept of "peer polity interaction", this paper examines how competition between elites from multiple centers contributed to the emergence of a widely shared Dvaravati material culture. The paper will also consider the role that polycentric interaction may have played in the dramatic increases in political complexity that occurred during the Dvaravati period, as this type of interaction has been shown to be a common feature of the formative stage of early states from other regions of the world.
Paper short abstract:
This paper ponders whether the application of such a broad concept as "Dvāravatī" is appropriate or, indeed, even useful for the appreciation and understanding of this complex and multifaceted material culture phenomenon of early central Thailand.
Paper long abstract:
What do we really know about Dvāravatī? Lasting from approximately the sixth to the ninth centuries CE and focused in today's central Thailand, Dvāravatī in one or another form has been of major concern to Thai and Southeast Asian art historians and archaeologists for over 80 years. Moreover, it has recently been the focus of several international blockbuster exhibitions. Dvāravatī is often referred to as a kingdom, a time period, a material culture, a geographical entity, an art style, even just a "culture", or any combination of these. What does the material and epigraphic evidence support? Academic debates mainly relate to issues of dating and geographical extent, such as, which centuries marked the beginning and end of a so-called "Dvāravatī period" and how extensive were the geographical limits of these art forms. However, virtually no discussion has taken place about why this artistic or cultural period should be defined by the name of an elusive polity or to what extent something called "Dvāravatī art" has any reality. This paper presents an overview of recent findings and compares different interpretations as well as reassesses commonly held assertions about Dvāravatī.
Paper short abstract:
This paper investigates the cultural landscape of riverine moated towns during 11th-14th centuries AD in West-Central Thailand. It examines relationships between humans and the environment. Recent surveys show patterns in land use, water management and possible roles of religious beliefs.
Paper long abstract:
This paper investigates the cultural landscape of ancient riverine moated towns of Suphanabhumi (Suphanburi), Ratchburi and Petchaburi during 11th-14th centuries AD in West-Central Thailand. These towns were situated on the banks of major rivers, locations that suggest the significance of their roles in trade. However, due to an absence of local records, this region is less understood although the cities were considered allies or part of the Sukhothai Kingdom. (Sukhothai, situated in the lower part of the Northern region, is known as the "first" capital city of Thailand). Despite large constructions of their moated sites, the knowledge of this region has relied largely upon foreign texts and imported articles. Some scholars have suggested Chen Li Fu, a polity mentioned in a 13th century Chinese chronicle, might have been situated in the West-Central region. The study aims to extend the understanding of the regional socio-economy, which it is hoped will contribute to the understanding of society in its inter-regional context. Study methods, including interpreting aerial photographs as well as conducting field surveys in order to identify ancient features on the landscape, were used. Information obtained from local interviews on rice cultivation before the time of modern irrigation proved useful. Recent field surveys showed strategic patterns in land use and water management. These have reflected local traditions and knowledge as well as a sophisticated social organization. Also, it has been noticed that religious beliefs may have played a significant role in society perhaps in helping people cope with nature's uncertainties.