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[southeastasianarchaeology]

Phnom Kulen Set to Become an Eco-tourism Hub with Rich Cultural Heritage

Phnom Kulen National Park, rich in historical and natural wonders, is transforming into an eco-tourism hotspot, blending ancient Khmer heritage with sustainable travel experiences to boost conservation and local economies.

via Khmer Times, 25 April 2024: Phnom Kulen National Park, revered as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire, is poised to become a prime eco-tourism destination following its inclusion on UNESCO’s Tentative Lists. Spanning over 62,883 hectares, the park is a treasure trove of cultural and natural attractions, including over 155 archaeological sites and a variety of eco-tourism…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Bak Kheng Style Statue Head Found Near Old Temple Site in Cambodia

A local resident of Banteay Meanchey province discovered and donated a valuable Bak Kheng style statue head from the Angkor period to the provincial museum, contributing to the preservation of Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

via Khmer Times, 25 April 2024: A resident of Banteay Meanchey province discovered the head of a Bak Kheng style sculpture from the late 9th and early 10th centuries and donated it to the local museum. This valuable artifact, believed to be from the reign of King Yasovarman I, was found near an old temple site in Mongkul Borei district. The local Department of Culture and Fine Arts praised the…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Historic Tabernacle from Boljoon Sold at Auction Now Target of Recovery

Boljoon is endeavoring to recover a historic tabernacle sold at an art auction in 2017, as part of ongoing efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.

via Rappler, 25 April 2024: Following the controversial issue of its pulpit panels, the town of Boljoon in southern Cebu is now focusing on recovering a historic tabernacle that was auctioned off in 2017. The tabernacle, originally from Boljoon, was sold at the Leon Gallery’s Asian Cultural Council Philippines Art Auction for P1.4 million. Leon Gallery’s Director, Jaime Ponce de Leon, has…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Archaeological Insights into Ancient Settlements and Climate Change on Alor Island

Makpan Cave on Alor Island provides a deep dive into 43,000 years of human history, showing how early inhabitants adapted to drastic climate changes from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, utilizing evolving marine and terrestrial resources for survival.

via The Conversation, 24 April 2024: The island of Alor in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, has revealed fascinating insights into early human adaptation through the archaeological site of Makpan Cave, dated back to 43,000 years ago. This site has shown how the first settlers rapidly adjusted to their new island environment, utilizing marine and later terrestrial resources as climate conditions…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

[Paper] Physiography, foraging mobility, and the first peopling of Sahul

Advanced simulations shed light on early human migration into Sahul, suggesting movement across ancient Australia and New Guinea followed natural landscapes like river corridors and coastlines, redefining our understanding of these prehistoric pathways.

via Nature Communications, 23 April 2024: Salles et al. leverage advanced modeling techniques to explore the first peopling of Sahul. By integrating time-evolving landscapes with Lévy walk foraging patterns, researchers have mapped potential migration routes and speeds, suggesting that early Homo sapiens navigated across Sahul by following riverine corridors and coastlines. The study emphasizes a…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

National Museum and Archdiocese of Cebu Collaborate on Conservation of Historic Panels

The National Museum of the Philippines and the Archdiocese of Cebu unite to conserve four 19th-century pulpit panels from Boljoon Church, focusing on remedial measures to preserve their historical and cultural significance.

via Rappler, 21 April 2024: The National Museum of the Philippines and the Archdiocese of Cebu have committed to prioritizing the conservation of four significant 19th-century pulpit panels from the heritage church of Boljoon. During a productive meeting, which discussed the condition and future of these culturally important wood panels, both parties agreed to focus on their preservation despite…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Hanoi Marks 1,085 Years Since Co Loa Became Ancient Capital

Hanoi commemorates the 1,085th anniversary of King Ngo Quyen's reign and the establishment of Co Loa as the capital, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

via Vietnam Net, 21 April 2024: Hanoi celebrated the 1,085th anniversary of King Ngo Quyen’s coronation and the establishment of Co Loa as the national capital on April 19, 939. The ceremony highlighted Co Loa’s historical and cultural significance, located in Dong Anh District. King Ngo Quyen, a pivotal figure in Vietnamese history, was celebrated for ending over a thousand years of Chinese…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Unraveling the Layers of Angkor’s History

Archaeologist Christophe Pottier reveals Angkor's lush past and urban evolution, tracing its occupation from prehistoric times to a vibrant capital until the 16th century.

via Le Monde, 21 April 2024: Christophe Pottier, a seasoned archaeologist with the Ecole Française d’Extrême-Orient, spent 18 years studying Angkor, shedding light on its evolution from a sixth-century capital to a major urban center until the 16th century. His work reveals that Angkor, often described as a “big garden,” has been occupied for over 3,000 years, including significant prehistoric…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Archaeological Insight into Angkor's 11th-Century Bronze Foundry

A Franco-Cambodian research project has been uncovering the intricacies of an 11th-century foundry at Angkor’s royal palace, offering a glimpse into the craft of bronze casting for the kings of ancient Cambodia.

via Le Monde, 21 April 2024: Since 2016, an archaeometallurgical study has been revealing insights into the 11th-century foundry at the royal palace of Angkor, as part of a Franco-Cambodian research project. This site, the only known foundry of its era in Cambodia, was crucial for casting bronze statues for the kings of Angkor. Situated behind the Terrace of the Leper King, the area has unearthed…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

[Obituary] Elizabeth Moore (1949–2024)

via Indonesia and the Malay World, 17 April 2024: Dr Farouk Yahya's obituary of the late Prof. Elizabeth Moore.

via Indonesia and the Malay World, 17 April 2024: Dr Farouk Yahya’s obituary of the late Prof. Elizabeth Moore. Indonesia and the Malay World is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Elizabeth Moore, Emeritus Professor in the Department of the History of Art and Archaeology, School of Arts, SOAS University of London. One of the foremost experts in the field of Southeast Asian art and…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Iconic Vishnu Bronze to Be Analyzed in Paris Before 2025 Exhibition

Cambodia's celebrated bronze Vishnu statue, known as the 'Mona Lisa' of Cambodia, is set for examination and restoration in Paris before its 2025 exhibition at the Guimet Museum of Asian Arts.

via Le Monde, 21 April 2024: A significant bronze statue of Vishnu is scheduled to be examined and restored in Paris before its display at the Guimet Museum of Asian Arts in April 2025. The statue, originally part of a larger sculpture found in 1936 at Angkor’s West Mebon temple, portrays the Hindu god smiling, despite missing two arms. This artifact, a royal commission from the 11th century, is…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

The Transformative Power of Mentorship in Shaping Academic Careers

A personal story of academic redemption underscores the pivotal role of mentorship, from overcoming early educational hurdles to achieving a professorship at UCLA, demonstrating the transformative potential of guided personal and professional development.

via Rappler, 21 April 2024: Prof. Stephen Acabado’s story of his transformation into a respected academic highlights the profound impact of mentorship. Beginning with a setback in high school, the narrative follows his journey through mentor-guided opportunities and self-discovery that not only revived his interest in history but also set him on a path to academic excellence. Mentorship goes…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Exploring 2000 Years of Vietnamese History at Hanoi Exhibition

Hung King's Commemoration Day; Hanoi Museum; Dong Son Culture; Vietnamese history; Co Loa bronze drums; national treasures; cultural exhibitions; bronze casting techniques; historical artifacts

via Vietnam Plus, 19 April 2024: The Hanoi Museum celebrated the Hung King’s Commemoration Day and the centennial of Dong Son Culture research with the “Echoes” exhibition on April 18. This event showcased nearly 100 artifacts, including national treasures like the Co Loa bronze drums, highlighting Vietnam’s rich history from 2,000 years ago. The exhibition paid tribute to Vietnam’s ancestors and…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Malaysian Student Uncovers Historic Malay Texts in Egypt

Malaysian student in Egypt collects nearly 200 historic Malay texts from the 1920s-60s, preserving valuable Nusantara scholarly works for future generations.

via The Star, 14 April 2024: Muhammad Nur Hadi Sallehuddin, a Malaysian student at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, has amassed a remarkable collection of nearly 200 Malay scholarly books, dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. These books, authored by prominent Malaysian and regional scholars and printed by Mustafa al-Halabi, cover various Islamic disciplines in Jawi and Acehnese script. A Malaysian…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Rediscovering Bohol’s Prehistoric Paintings and Burials

Lamanok Point in Anda, Bohol, features prehistoric rock paintings and burial sites, showcasing early civilization traces and declared an "Important Cultural Property."

via GMA, 14 April 2024: In Anda, Bohol, Lamanok Point is home to significant prehistoric evidence including hematite rock paintings and burial sites, revealing aspects of early civilization dating back tens of thousands of years. The rock art authenticated by the National Museum of the Philippines, served as ancient community gathering markers. Additional findings at this site include wooden…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Lào and White Thái Traditions Honored as National Heritage

Điện Biên Province celebrates the addition of Lào ethnic costumes and White Thái cake-making to Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

via Viet Nam News, 13 April 2024: Điện Biên Province has  two new additions to the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list: the decorative art on costumes by the Lào ethnic group and the traditional cake-making of the White Thái ethnic group. These recognitions highlight the intricate handwoven textiles symbolic of the Lào community and the celebrated khẩu xén and chí chọp cakes, integral to…

[southeastasianarchaeology]

Thailand Submits Songkhla Lagoon for Cultural Heritage Listing

Thailand submits Songkhla Lake’s lagoon settlements for UNESCO heritage consideration, eyeing approval by 2025 amidst rich biodiversity and historical value.

via The Nation, 12 April 2024: Thailand has officially submitted Songkhla Lake and its lagoon settlements for UNESCO World Heritage consideration, with the proposal reviewed by the committee in New Delhi in July. The area, a significant ecological and cultural landmark in southern Thailand, spans 1,040 square kilometers and is noted for its rich biodiversity and historical significance. If…