Book Chapter
The enigmatic jars of laos: Recent Archaeological research on the plain of jars
D O'Reilly, L Shewan
Asia S Heritage Trend: Examining Asia S Present Through Its Past | Routledge | Published : 2023
Abstract
This chapter presents the geographical setting in which these sites are located, review the research undertaken previously at selected sites, and present the results of research by the authors at three of the megalithic sites in Laos, Sites 1, 52 and 2 between 2016 and 2019. The megalithic jars of Laos were first reported in European accounts in the late nineteenth century as curiosities but the first archaeological investigation of the megalithic jar sites was conducted by Madeleine Colani. In 1994 Japanese archaeologist Eiji Nitta excavated at Site 1, recording unburned human bones and teeth, iron knives and glass beads in pits around the jars. One of the pits contained an incised ceramic ..
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Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
We extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MoICT) especially Thonglith Luangkhoth, Mailo Khamphouvong, Amphai Butphachit, Souliya Bounxayhip, Than Thong-bay Phothisan, Than Viengkeo Souksavatdy, Than Vongsa Duangthongla, Ms Bounchan Bounasin, Lorm Thongsavat, Khamleun Aphaiyavong, Than Bounton Chanthaphone the Xieng Khouang Provincial governor and District chiefs. Thanks also to Jamie Speer, Kate Domett, Sian Halcrow, Gina Palefsky, Nigel Chang, Julie Van Den Bergh, Marion Ravenscroft, the Lao and Australian archaeology students for their contributions to the research project. Funding for the Louise research was provided by the Australian Research Council (DP150101164). Shewan and Dougald O'Reilly were equal first authors on this paper. Louise Shewan is supported by a 'veski inspiring women' grant provided by the Victorian State Government, Australia. We dedicate this chapter to our dear friend and colleague, Than Thongsa Sayavongkhamdy, a pioneer in Lao archaeology, who sadly passed away in 2022.