Paper short abstract:

A pilot Neutron Activation Analysis study of stoneware from 4 kilns in the Angkor region demonstrates distinct elemental profiles for each complex even where geological context appears similar. Expanding this approach to other Khmer period kilns will provide new insights into patterns of exchange.

Paper long abstract:

Archaeological research at Khmer stoneware kiln sites in the last two decades, coupled with excavations in Greater Angkor, has resulted in a growing database of production centres and a better understanding of the range of stonewares produced. Unlike Chinese, or even some other SE Asian stonewares, Khmer stonewares appear to have been made specifically for distribution within the Khmer area of influence. This convergence between stoneware distribution and Khmer territorial extent suggests that Khmer stonewares may provide a valuable new proxy of Khmer political and economic dynamics.

An essential first step is to link stonewares from the wider Khmer territories to specific production centres. Here, we report on a preliminary data set of 600 Khmer stoneware sherds from previously excavated kilns in the Greater Angkor region (Bangkong, Tani A6, Thnal Mrech, and Torp Chey). We tested whether geochemical characterisation using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) can unambiguously 'fingerprint' the output of individual kiln complexes in Cambodia. Results show that we can, in most cases, differentiate even relatively closely spaced kiln sites. Over the next two years our Khmer stoneware ceramic study will use the same techniques to investigate the wider internal economic and political developments of the Angkorian polity. We are actively seeking collaboration with colleagues throughout the region to study fluctuations in stoneware production and exchange in relation to the expansion and contraction of Khmer power.