Southeast Asian mainland archaeological science 1964–2034: Multiscalar relations between individuals, communities and neighbouring populations during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages (early-3rd mill. BC to late-1st mill. AD)

Abstract

In this paper we seek to summarise the past, present and future applications, impacts and potential of archaeological science methodologies in late prehistoric Mainland Southeast Asian archaeology. The region is large and hosts significant cultural, biological and environmental diversity, throughout its territory and including its bordering areas with China and India. Reconstructing variable and potentially multi-directional intra and inter-regional cultural and biological interactions during the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, spanning the early-3rd mill. BC to late-1st mill. AD is critical to understanding Mainland Southeast Asia's historical trajectory as a distinct varied and vibrant cultural entity. These broad research objectives have driven a great deal of archaeological scientific investigation over the past six decades, which we review with particular respect to material culture evidence from high-temperature technologies (ceramics, glass and metals) and bioarchaeological data from a range of sub-disciplines. Following that, we propose some suggestions for how Mainland Southeast Asian archaeological science might develop over the next decade, in a way that strictly and systematically benefits regional scholars and students, and integrates the efforts of newer interested parties, with the over-riding aim of making more accurate and nuanced historical syntheses. • Mainland Southeast Asia is a biologically, culturally and environmentally complex region at the eastern terminus of the Himalayas. • Since the first modern archaeological excavations in northeast Thailand, archaeological science approaches have been critical to understanding that complexity. • Here we focus on high-temperature material culture (ceramics, glass, metals) and biological approaches to local, regional and inter-regional interactions spanning the Neolithic to Early Historic periods. • Current data are extremely promising for unravelling these diachronic exchanges, and their impact on multi-lateral cultural developments. • Due to the size of Mainland Southeast Asia and its bordering regions, and the low numbers of trained specialists, a great deal more remains to be done. • By engaging and cooperating with interested parties across the globe, there is great opportunity for this learning process to be catalysed and dynamised.

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