Unravelling the mystery of the Plain of Jars, Laos (Old ID 21895)
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
Since their discovery in the 1930s the mysterious collection s of giant stone jars scattered throughout central Laos have remained one of the great prehistoric puzzles of SE Asia. It is thought that the jars represent the mortuary remains of an extensive and powerful Iron Age culture. This project seeks to determine the true nature of these sites which date to a dynamic period of increasing complexity in Se Asia (c.500BCE-500CE). This will be achieved through extensive reconnaissance, precision mapping, archaeological excavation and analysis of associated burial material. Using a suite of cutting-edge archaeological technologies this project will have far-reaching benefits for archaeology, science, Laos and World Heritage.
Date
01 Jan 2015 - 14 Jan 2020
Project Type
N/A
Keywords
Laos;Southeast Asia;Archaeological Science;Iron Age;ancient burial practice;megaliths
Funding Body
Australian Research Council (ARC)
Amount
10000
Project Team
Kate Domett