Paper short abstract:

Kok Treas site is located in approximately 5km north-east of Banteay Chhmar temple complex, build in 12 century. It is an irregular mound with a somewhat oval shape, with a diameter of 180m east-west and about 150m north-south.

Paper long abstract:

In 2012, the Royal Government of Cambodia has the project to improve the road linking Banteay Meanchey to Udor Meanchey. Unfortunately, the road cuts through an Iron Age necropolis known as Kok Treas. Accordingly, the archaeological investigation was carried out by Ministry of Culture and Fine Art team in late 2012 and early 2013. Altogether, seven Units with a combined surface of 70 sqm. were excavated. In total 6 graves containing inhumations were encountered within 4 units. As for other sites, pottery is a common find. Stone tools and beads are rarely found. Animal bones and mollusc remains are present. Iron objects are more frequently discovered than bronze objects. Most of iron implements are weapons and tools used in daily life. Bronze objects consisted of tools and ornaments. Other objects found included clay spindle whorls and a gold jewelry.

The date of the site can be ascertained based on a comparison to archaeological materials discovered in some vicinity site, which date at least from the late Iron Age to early historical times. The archaeological remains and similar burial practice of Kok Treas suggest that there is a pattern of increasing assets and expansion of communication network. The funeral tradition including covering the head with a bronze bowl is the same as those found at Prohear and Phum Snay. This tradition is widely practices during the Metal Age in Mainland Southeast Asia as well as in China dates back Iron Age to period and possibly until recent time for some areas.