PHETCHABURI, THAILAND – Archaeologists have unearthed a spectacular prehistoric burial site in a rice field in Phetchaburi province. Gold rings, bronze vessels, and six giant bronze drums were found alongside nine human skeletons. The findings are up to 2,000 years old and reveal details about the rank and beliefs of a long-lost society.
50.000 Baht und eine Ãœberraschung im Boden
On June 27, Thailand’s archaeological elite gathered at the Phra Nakhon Khiri National Museum. Director-General Phanombut Chantharachot of the Fine Arts Department presented the landowners, Kanang and Jen Phetsut, with 50,000 Baht in compensation for crop damage. Their rice field at Ban Don Phlap had become one of the country’s most unusual excavation sites.
Chaiyaphon Phuthonglom, the Deputy Governor of Phetchaburi, and Thiwanrat Angkinan, Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Cultural Committee, were present for the announcement. The delegation then proceeded directly to the find site in Tambon Samo Phlue. There, archaeologist Kannika Premjai explained the ongoing work.
Sechs Mahorathuek-Trommeln und eine Kinderbestattung
The team from the Fine Arts Office 1 Ratchaburi began excavations on February 9. Early soil layers revealed parts of a Mahorathuek drum along with surrounding pottery. Deeper in the ground, another drum lay face down, with human skeletons nearby. These individuals wore gold rings, gold bracelets, glass beads, and bronze objects.
So far, nine skeletons have been uncovered. One is believed to belong to a child under twelve years old, with a bronze object resembling a gong found on their body. Archaeologists have identified a total of six Mahorathuek drums. Animal jaws from cattle or buffalo were also discovered, with upper and lower jaws placed close together, strongly suggesting ritual animal burials alongside the deceased.
Gold, Bronze und die Frage nach dem Status
The nature of the grave goods has surprised even experienced scientists. Some skeletons were covered with bronze vessels placed over their heads, a burial practice that was far from common. Additionally, gold beads, pendants, and intricate gold earrings were found, some still attached to the bones.
The Director-General explained that the placement of these objects indicates clear social differences and elaborate burial rituals. The community apparently believed in an afterlife and provided their deceased with appropriate provisions. The density of weaponry, status symbols, jewelry, and ritual drums found together is unprecedented for this region.
3D-Scans und eine Reise in die USA
Before the artifacts and skeletons are recovered starting in July, the IT group for cultural heritage is documenting the entire pit using 3D scanning. Teams from Ratchaburi and Prachin Buri will then arrive for recovery, supported by scientists from the conservation group. Their task is to inventory, secure each item, and transfer them to the National Museum Office for preservation.
Concurrently, scientific dating is underway. Charcoal samples from the excavation were sent to the USA, with results expected in approximately three months. Experts are currently estimating the site to be between 1,500 and 2,000 years old, placing it in the late prehistoric period before Thailand’s historical era began.
Was nach der Bergung bleibt
After the scientific documentation is complete, the archaeologists will clear the site and return the rice field to the owners. Kanang and Jen Phetsut can then resume agricultural activities while the findings are analyzed in museums and laboratories.
The Fine Arts Department is confident that Don Yai Thong will provide key data on the rituals, beliefs, and social stratification of a prehistoric society. The archaeological work is expected to offer new insights into the early cultural history of the region in the coming years.
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Source: Thairath