Across the Archives: Southeast Asian Manuscripts
Updated: 2023-10-31 08:55:00
Readers may be interested in this webinar by Dr Trent Walker on Southeast Asian manuscripts on 08 November 2023. Hanoi’s Temple of Literature Unveils Night Tours: A New Way to Experience History
Updated: 2023-10-31 07:58:00via Vietnam Plus, 30 October 2023: Hanoi has officially launched night tours of the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), offering a unique experience that blends traditional music, lighting effects, and 3D-mapping technology. Unlike daytime visits, the night tour takes visitors through various key areas of the temple complex, including the Thai Hoc Hall and the Constellation of Literature Pavilion. The tours are part of Hanoi's broader strategy to develop night-time tourism and are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
In Search of Dragon Bones: Tracing G.H.R. von Koenigswald’s Legacy in Sarawak
Updated: 2023-10-31 06:51:00via Dayak Daily, 30 October 2023: In Sarawak, the legacy of paleontologist G.H.R. von Koenigswald lives on through the intriguing connection between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shops and prehistoric fossils. Known for his work on human and animal fossils in Southeast Asia, von Koenigswald visited Sarawak in 1958. He explored TCM shops, which traditionally sold 'dragon bones' and 'dragon teeth,' later identified as fossilized remains of prehistoric animals. Recent investigations have continued this unusual method of fossil-hunting, revealing fascinating finds like teeth from an extinct relative of the rhinoceros.
Archaeology Ethics in Southeast Asia (December 2023 – June 2024)
Updated: 2023-10-31 04:51:00Another thing that I am working on at SEAMEO SPAFA, a series of workshops around Archaeology Ethics in Southeast Asia. We have found that over the last few years there has been a growing call to discuss various issues of related to ethics andd ethical practice of archaeology in Southeast Asia, and through these series of workshops we are hoping to raise awareness about some of these issues and find ways to address them as a community. The first four workshops are online, beginning on December 7, culminating in an in-person workshop held as part of SPAFACON2024.
Silk Road Symposium, 6-7 November 2023
Updated: 2023-10-31 03:51:00Readers in Cambridge may be interested in this hybrid symposium "Beyond the Spice Route: Knowledge Transmission and Material Culture in Premodern Maritime Asia (700-1400 CE)" on 6th and 7th November 2023 at King's College Cambridge, and also online.
Decoding the Hoabinhian: Southeast Asia’s Distinctive Stone Age Toolkit
Updated: 2023-10-31 02:58:00via L'Anthropologie, 27 October 2023: This paper by Forestier et al. discusses the Hoabinhian toolkit, which includes weighty, thick tools like unifaces and choppers, signifies a unique adaptation to tropical forest life, particularly in relation to bamboo. This stands in contrast to the Western prehistoric narrative of technical evolution and offers insights into human adaptation and technical choices in tropical environments.
Hanoi Recognizes Artisans as Key to Intangible Cultural Heritage
Updated: 2023-10-31 01:51:00via Vietnam Plus, 27 October 2023: A seminar organized by Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports emphasized the crucial role artisans play in preserving and promoting the city's intangible cultural heritage. Officials and cultural representatives agreed that artisans hold the keys to the practice and teaching of heritage values. The city has provided financial support to artisans and established heritage clubs to encourage the preservation and transmission of cultural values.
Penang Hill: Where Ancient Rainforests Meet Colonial History
Updated: 2023-10-31 00:58:00via The Star, 26 October 2023: Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is not just a tourist attraction but a site rich in history and biodiversity. Discovered by British explorer Captain Francis Light in 1786, the hill has evolved from a British colonial lookout point to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It offers a blend of natural beauty, colonial history, and modern amenities, attracting over 1.6 million visitors annually.
Protecting Precious Ruins – Panel Discussion at the FCCT
Updated: 2023-10-30 08:09:00Readers in Bangkok may be interested in this panel discussion at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on 1 November at 7 pm on the new World Heritage Sites of Kh Ker and Si Thep. I will be one of the panellists speaking!
Guardians of Thai Temples: The Hindu Roots of Yaksha Statues
Updated: 2023-10-30 07:04:00via South China Morning Post, 29 October 2023: Yaksha, mythical figures rooted in Hindu mythology, serve as protectors of Thailand's temples, palaces, and even airports. These figures, depicted in statues and murals, are believed to guard against otherworldly threats. While their origins trace back to the Hindu epic Ramayana, they have been integrated into Thai culture and Theravada Buddhism, often seen as protectors of the natural environment as well.
788 BC vs 2nd-10th Century AD: The Battle for Ancient Kedah’s True Age
Updated: 2023-10-30 06:01:00via Sccop.my, 29 October 2023: Two academics are at odds over the dating of the ancient port civilization of Sg Batu in Ancient Kedah. An earlier (outlier) date of 788 BC is based on carbon dating and optically stimulated luminescence techniques, while the timeline between the 2nd and 10th century AD based on Bayesian Chronological Modelling. Experts call for more credible evidence to resolve the clash of narratives.
Ambeth Ocampo Urges Year-Round Museum Visits, Not Just in October
Updated: 2023-10-30 04:07:00via GMA, 29 October 2023: Public historian Ambeth Ocampo emphasizes that museums should be visited not just during the Philippines' Museums and Galleries Month in October but throughout the year. Ocampo, who recently published a book called "Cabinet of Curiosities," advocates for the educational and recreational benefits of museum visits, stating that artifacts have stories to tell that can deepen our understanding of Filipino heritage.
Prohm Kel Temple’s Central Tower to Rise Again by End of 2023
Updated: 2023-10-30 03:02:00via Khmer Times, 28 October 2023: The APSARA National Authority has announced that the restoration of the Prohm Kel Temple is set to be completed by the end of 2023. Led by Mao Sokny, the restoration team has already completed over 70% of the work. The temple, which had suffered severe damage including a collapsed central tower, is undergoing a three-stage repair process focusing on the platform, walls, and the temple's top.
Cambodia’s APSARA Authority Enhances Angkor Temple Visits with New Circuits
Updated: 2023-10-30 02:03:00via Xinhua, 27 October 2023: Cambodia's APSARA National Authority has introduced new visiting circuits at the Chau Say Tevoda-Thommanon temples in Angkor Archeological Park. The circuits aim to offer tourists a more comprehensive and detailed experience, allowing them to explore the ancient temples from various angles. Two lines are available: a short one for a quick visit and a longer one that includes a walk through the nursery garden of Ta Keo temple.
Bridging Past and Present: How Gambuh Art Keeps Balinese Culture Alive
Updated: 2023-10-30 01:08:00via Kompas, 27 October 2023: The Gambuh Buddha Kecapi art performance, held at Puri Klungkung in Bali, aims to preserve and elevate the classical Balinese art form of Gambuh. Originating in the 15th century, Gambuh is a comprehensive theatrical experience that incorporates dance, literature, and music. The recent performance adapted the tale of Buddha Kecapi and was part of the closing activities for Saraswati Sewana Literature 2023.
8th Century Buddhist Vihar Unearthed in Chattogram
Updated: 2023-10-30 00:06:00via Daily Star, 21 October 2023: Archaeologists have unearthed the ruins of an 8th-century Buddhist vihar in the Biswamura area of Chattogram's Karnaphuli upazila. The findings include brick-made walls and concrete floors, similar to those found in other archaeological sites in Bangladesh. The institution, named Pandit Vihar, was one of the four prestigious universities and Buddhist monasteries of ancient India and was rich in artefacts from the Pala Dynasty.
Phnom Penh’s Upcoming Culture Festival
Updated: 2023-10-27 03:02:00via Phnom Penh Post, 26 October 2023: The Culture Festival, organized by the Youth Assembly, is set to take place on October 28 and 29 at Phnom Penh's F3 (Friends Futures Factory). The event aims to celebrate and promote Khmer culture, featuring an array of performances, traditional arts, and food. The festival is part of the Cambodian Culture Exhibition 2023 and seeks to attract both local and international audiences.
Shark Teeth as Ancient Blades: 7,000-Year-Old Weapons in Indonesia [Paper]
Updated: 2023-10-27 02:07:00via Antiquity, 24 October 2023: Archaeologists have discovered 7,000-year-old shark tooth blades on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, attributed to the enigmatic Toalean culture. These blades, made from tiger shark teeth, are among the earliest evidence of shark teeth used in composite weapons. Scientific analysis suggests that these blades were likely used in rituals or warfare rather than as everyday tools.
The Battle for Cambodia’s Heritage: Art Market vs. Preservation
Updated: 2023-10-27 01:05:04via Antiquities Coalition, 11 October 2023: The Antiquities Coalition interviews experts Helena Arose, Angela Chiu, and Ben Evans authors in a chapter for The Routledge Handbook of Heritage Destruction, who discuss the challenges facing Cambodia's cultural heritage. They delve into the history of looting and the impact of the art market and armed conflict on Cambodian antiquities. The experts also highlight Cambodia's efforts in international diplomacy and legal frameworks to protect its heritage.
Van Don Port and Tra Co Communal House: Vietnam’s Newest National Treasures
Updated: 2023-10-26 02:06:00via Vietnam Plus, 25 October 2023: The Prime Minister of Vietnam has officially designated two more sites in Quang Ninh as special national relics. These are the Van Don port in Van Don district, a significant trading center from the 12th to 18th centuries, and the Tra Co communal house in Mong Cai City, an architectural and artistic relic with a rich history. The move is part of Quang Ninh's broader strategy to become a must-visit destination in Vietnam.
Preah Khan Temple Renovation Nears Completion
Updated: 2023-10-26 01:00:00via Rasmei Kampuchea, 24 October 2023: The renovation project for the Preah Khan temple site is close to completion, with efforts focused on repairing the western dam and the eastern entrance. Led by the APSARA Authority's Department of Temple Preservation and Archaeology, the project also aims to restore an access road for tourists, featuring laterite and Buddhist stones.
Exploring Centuries of Pacific Island Art: ‘The Shape of Time’ Exhibition Debuts at National Museum of Qatar
Updated: 2023-10-26 00:08:00via the Gulf Times, 24 October 2023: The National Museum of Qatar has inaugurated the significant exhibition, "The Shape of Time: Art and Ancestors of Oceania," in collaboration with New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. This exhibition showcases over 120 exceptional artworks from The Met's extensive collection, narrating the story of artistic expression and innovation throughout the Pacific Islands over the centuries.
[Paper] Time-Traveling Through Lidar: Bayesian Regression Adds Depth to Angkor’s Spatial Data
Updated: 2023-10-25 08:56:00via Scientific Reports, 20 October 2023: A new paper by Carleton et al. explores the use of Bayesian regression as an alternative to machine learning for estimating the age of undated temples at Angkor, Cambodia, identified through lidar technology. The Bayesian approach offers advantages in handling uncertainties and providing more interpretive utility. The research also updates the database of Angkorian temples, offering the most current estimates for temple foundations and historical urban growth patterns.
Vietnam’s Ministry Takes Action on Documentary Heritage
Updated: 2023-10-25 07:55:00via VNA/Vietnam Plus, 24 October 2023: The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam is organizing a national conference in Nha Trang this November. The conference aims to bring together experts, state agencies, and local officials to discuss the protection, management, and promotion of documentary heritage. It will also explore measures for preserving the value of such heritage after its recognition by UNESCO's Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific.
Thailand’s Fine Arts Department Recreates Iconic Buddha Image
Updated: 2023-10-25 06:59:00via Thai PBS, 24 October 2023: Thailand's Fine Arts Department is recreating replicas of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha to commemorate its 122nd anniversary. These replicas, which will be available for purchase, aim to capture the timeless beauty and sacredness of the original. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to Thailand’s National Antiquities Conservation Fund.