Paper short abstract:

This research study the slab stone boxes and standing stones at Wang Prachop, Thailand. The results of the research purpose 1) the slab stone boxes were used as the mortuary ritual and the standing stones used as the memorial stone. 2) These may be related to Bernam valley in Malaysia.

Paper long abstract:

The prehistoric communities which practiced the sacred ritual by making slab stone boxes were found in Wang Prachop Sub-district, Tak Province. In this area, there were 2 ritual sites, named the Ban Wang Prachop site and the Nai Sien site, which slab stone boxes ritual were found for the first time in Thailand. The form of the excavated slab stone boxes was similar to a slab grave, but neither a human remains nor relic was found inside those slab stone boxes. There were only the vessels, fragments of stone bracelets, beads, and spindle whorls in the slab stone boxes. In addition, there were also found the standing stones placed nearly to the slab stone boxes. The two charcoal samples dated Ban Wang Prachop site to the age of 2,500-2,300 BP. There are 2 aims of this research: Firstly, to interpret the evidences for understanding the mortuary ritual. Secondly, to understand the dispersion of this culture. The results of the research purpose that 1) the slab stone boxes were used as the mortuary ritual. From ethnographic data suggest that the standing stones probably used as the memorial stone for worship ancestor. 2) The slab stone boxes at Wang Prachop may be related to Bernam valley in Malaysia.