NSC #4 HIGHLIGHTS MAR - MAY 2017 News from the Nalanda–Sriwijaya Centre ISSN: 2424-9211

FEATURES: Sinitic Trends in Early Islamic Java

The Overland Trading Route between the Khmer Empire and the Champa Kingdoms

What’s in a Border? : The Chiang Mai World Heritage Initiative

Not Just ‘Pots’: Understanding Social Complexity through Ceramics in Prehistoric Mainland Southeast Asia

EVENTS: 2016 NSC Archaeological Field School

Circulating the Bay of Bengal, Miraculously

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• 2017 NSC Archaeological Field School • Public Lectures

Traditional earthenware firing at a potting village in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia. Photo taken during a visit by the NSC Archaeological Field School in November 2016. (Credit: S. T. Foo) ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Pasir Panjang 119614 Tel: (65) 6778 0955 Fax: (65) 6778 1735 Correspondence - pg 14 Correspondence - pg Highlights: The Kampong 2016 NSC Archaeological Field School Chhnang Experience Southeast Asia Learning Archaeology, Knowing pg 16 Recent Publications - Events - pg 17 New Staff at NSC, Upcoming The Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre The Nalanda-Sriwijaya Ishak Institute, Centre (NSC) at the ISEAS - Yusof Singapore, on historical interactionspursues research among Asian societies and civilisations. serves as a forum for the comprehensive It of the ways in which study Asian polities and societies have interacted over time through religious, cultural, and economic exchanges, and diasporic networks. The Centre also offers innovative for examining strategies the manifestations of hybridity, convergence and mutual learning in a globalising sees the following Asia. It as its main aims: 1. To develop the ‘Nalanda idea’ of building for contemporary Asia an appreciation of Asian achievements and mutual learning, by the cosmopolitan Buddhist centre of learning in Nalanda, as well as the as exemplified ‘Sriwijaya mediation idea’ of Southeast Asia as a place of and linkages among the great civilisations. 2. To encourage and develop skills needed to understand the civilisations of Asia and their interrelationships. 3. To build regional research capacities and infrastructure for the study of the historical interactions among the civilisations and societies of Asia. Events - pg 10 Events - pg Field School The 2016 NSC Archaeological Translating the Bay of Bengal, Miraculously: Workshop on Circulating in Southeast Asia Wonder and Travel Petrography & Archaeological Archaeology Workshop: Ceramic Sciences Editorial - pg 1 Editorial - pg 2 Features Java in Early Islamic Sinitic Trends the Khmer Empire and between the Trading Route The Overland Kingdoms Champa Initiative The Chiang Mai World Heritage What’s in a Border?: through Ceramics Social Complexity Not Just ‘Pots’: Understanding Southeast Asia in Prehistoric Mainland ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute is not responsible for facts represented and views expressed. Responsibility rests exclusively with the individual author(s). No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission. Comments are welcome and by the author(s). Copyright is held the to may be sent author(s) of each article. CONTENTS Editorial Committee Nicholas Chan Fong Sok Eng Kao Jiun Feng Lim Chen Sian David Kyle Latinis Hélène Njoto Managing Editor Foo Shu Tieng Executive Editor Terence Chong Editorial Advisor Ooi Kee Beng Editorial Chairman Tan Chin Tiong is published by the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre (NSC) at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and available electronically at www.iseas.edu.sg. NSC HIGHLIGHTS 1 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

The NSC Archaeological Field School participants enjoyed a site lecture conducted by the National Authority of Preah Vihear at Preah Vihear Temple in November 2016 (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis). EDITORIAL While NSC’s research addresses historical relationships between Southeast Asian communities, such research also offers a sense of how these relationships might impact the present. It is hoped, then, that one might be able to make policy decisions from what was learned from past mistakes. For example, while some posit that the Khmer Empire was in decline due to severe weather fluctuations and a lack of water management, others believe that it fell due to the lack of political cohesion and the breakout of war. Furthermore, were economic depression or weak domestic economic growth to blame for the decline? The evidence suggests that it was a complex combination of these factors, and better understanding the impact of each factor may help in the contemporary policy-making process.

Aligning neatly with NSC’s historical agenda is Hélène Njoto’s research on the feline figures in Java. Her work shows that these figures were not only popular motifs as religious guardians in both the early Hindu-Buddhist andlater Islamic period, but that they shared broadly similiar artistic styles. Her ongoing efforts to track down the source of Sinitic influences over these feline figures has led her to Vietnam and this may reveal previously unknown networks of knowledge exchange between Mainland Southeast Asia and Java.

Elizabeth Moore’s article on the Chiang Mai World Heritage initiative, on the other hand, demonstrates NSC’s contemporary relevance. Regional heritage is becoming increasingly political as governments discover its economic and political rewards. As such, heritage policy decisions will not only impact the way Southeast Asians see themselves, but also how the rest of the world will see them. These policy discussions, as Moore’s article shows, require constructive contribution from experts and knowledge producers.

NSC’s workshop entitled “Circulating the Bay of Bengal, Miraculously: Translating Wonder and Travel in Southeast Asia” was held on 7 February 2017. Teren Sevea, in his opening remarks, spoke of the need for more serious scholarship regarding religion-making in Southeast Asia by local as well as diasporic populations. The key observation of the workshop was the remarkable geographic range of some of these beliefs which were localised from their original forms by the diasporic population for modern needs and continue to endure despite developmental pressures.

NSC’s collaboration with other regional institutions in the form of the NSC Archaeological Field School has borne several articles in this issue. D. Kyle Latinis summarises the most ambitious field school to date as participants traversed nearly the length of Cambodia to explore its rich history. Tran Ky Phuong’s article on overland trading networks and Tse Siang Lim’s article on pottery will give readers a taste of what was taught at the Field School. Anne-Di Victorino Berdin and Nainunis Aulia Izza’s articles give testimony to what was experienced by the participants.

NSC’s dedication to furthering staff development can be seen in Michael Ng’s account of the Ceramic Petrography and Archaeological Sciences workshop held in October 2016. There, leading specialists from the Institute of Archaeology, University College London, spoke on the latest techniques for finding the sources of products through primary materials and how to understand their properties. By understanding the right tools and techniques that can be used to evaluate certain criterion, NSC staff were able to craft sharper and more relevant research questions.

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 2 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Facade of Sunan Drajat’s mausoleum. East Java, Indonesia. (Credit: H. Njoto) FEATURE: Sinitic Trends in Early Islamic Java (15th to 17th century) By Hélène Njoto Visiting Fellow, Nalanda–Sriwijaya Centre

Java’s north coast is known to have apart from these mausolea remains. had cosmopolitan and multi-religious The richly decorated wooden panels towns where Muslim travellers that enclose these tombs on four and traders settled since the early sides, delicately sculpted, some 15th century. While there is scarce in openwork or painted in red, are evidence of the presence of Muslims indeed vaguely reminiscent of a and foreigners in the early Islamic Sinitic culture. However, most motifs period, the accounts of past Muslim and stylisation, such as the lotus ruling figures, revered as holy leaves in a pond, represented in a men (wali), have persisted. These naturalistic way, had in fact already accounts have survived thanks to appeared during the Hindu-Buddhist the fairly good conservation of the period, possibly as the consequence mausolea of these holy men, many of earlier Sinitic borrowings. of which are five to six centuries old. These mausolea, considered sacred However, the motif of the seated feline (kramat), are visited every year by figure stands out. These feline figures, thousands of pilgrims from Java and sculpted in wood or stone, were found other parts of the Malay world. in four religious sanctuaries such as in the mausolea of Sunan Drajat These mausolea contain elements of and Sunan Sendang Duwur. In these a Sinitic (relating to Chinese culture) mausolea, they are represented trend in early Islamic Java. Historical in-the-round, in a seated hieratic sources note the presence of ‘Chinese’ Seated feline figure in wood from Sunan position, bearded, with their maw wide among the Muslims present on Java’s Duwur’s mausoleum. East Java, Indonesia. open and their tongues pulled out (in north coast in the 15th and 16th (Credit: Mandiri & Art Gallery of South Australia) Sunan Drajat). They have volutes centuries. Local Javanese traditions motifs on the legs and a necklace and hagiographies also suggest that (Manguin 2001). or winged-like motif spreading from some of the most prominent holy men the scapula backwards. These feline were of Chinese descent. Some are Nevertheless, the ‘sinitic’ origin figures suggest that these holy men said to have come from Champa, of some of these holy men on the had developed a taste for decorative the former Hindu-Buddhist kingdom Javanese coast remains enigmatic features found in China and the Indo- of present-day coastal Vietnam since there is little material evidence Chinese peninsula of the same period.

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 3

Javanese and Vietnamese versions NSC HIGHLIGHTS exhibit hieratic seated positions with the two front legs straightened, slender bodies, stylised flames on forearms, shoulders transformed into a stylised necklace (or a winged- like motif on Javanese figures), and a relative abstraction and high stylisation of the face. The filiation is also more manifest in two other motifs. The dynamic beard of the Vietnamese figures is expressed in a simpler style (a goatee) in Java. In Vietnamese figures, the tongue often held a sphere (pearl) under the palate. Meanwhile, in Java, the motif was simplified into a long curved tongue reaching the palate, as can be seen in Sunan Drajat’s example. The contemporaneity of the figures from Indo-Chinese peninsula and Java should be further verified by carbon Seated feline figure in wood at Sunan Drajat’s Seated feline figure (Nghe). Nam Dinh dating. However, the circulation mausoleum, c. 30 cm x 10 cm, H: 50 cm. East museum, Nam Dinh Province. Late Lê of styles and motifs between both Java, Indonesia. (Credit: H. Njoto) dynasty. L. 25 x H. 80 cm. (Credit: H. Njoto) regions is not surprising as trade was known to have been dynamic at that popularly known as ‘Nghe’ (lion- period (Guy 1986). This is attested, Feline figures guarding religious dog). The lion-dog bears more for example, by the important number sanctuaries were pervasive in resemblance to the Javanese feline of Vietnamese ceramics found in Java Southeast Asia, especially where figures than any other in Southeast between the 14th and the beginning Buddhism had spread. Nevertheless, Asia. They are found in northern of the 16th century, and later again these feline figures of the Hindu- Vietnam, in communal-houses in the 17th century (Dupoizat and Buddhist period in the region had and temples of the late Lê dynasty. N. Harkantiningsih 2007). The feline different stylisations from those found Although dating from a slightly later figures’ exclusive religious context in the 15th-17th century Javanese period than the Javanese ones, these would be evidence of a Sinitic culture mausolea. Interestingly feline figures lion-dogs bear features that were among Islamised elites in Java during with similar features are found in probably developed during the early the early centuries of Islamisation. China and Vietnam, dating from the Lê dynasty (15th - 16th century). Ming and Lê Dynasties respectively. Moreover, although difference in This article is from a forthcoming paper While Chinese feline figures—such stylisation clearly suggests local on feline figures of Java (15th to 17th as the famous stone xiezhi figures craftsmanship in both cases, their centuries). The author is grateful to Dr Do guarding the “spirit way” of Ming similar features support the idea of a Truong Giang (Institute for Southeast Asian Studies), Ms Nguyen Thu Hoan (National tombs—show a discrepancy in size relation between Java and Vietnam. Museum of Vietnamese History), Dr Andrew and material that make the filiation Hardy (EFEO, Hanoi), and especially to difficult, the Vietnamese figures offer Most Javanese and Vietnamese Ms. Thi Hang Vu, from the Vietnam Fine more relevant examples. figures, sculpted in wood, were Arts Museum, for their generous help and located at the entrance of shrines and guidance in Vietnam. Vietnam has preserved an important their proportions (between 50 cm to number of wooden feline figures, 80 cm) were similar. Moreover, the References Bezacier, B. (1955). L’art vietnamien. Paris: éd. de l’Union française, p. 193. Dupoizat, M.-F., and Harkantiningsih, N. (2007). Catalogue of the Chinese Style Ceramics of Majapahit . Paris: Cahiers d’Archipel, p.83.

Guy, J. (1986). Oriental Trade Ceramics in South-East Asia, Ninth to Sixteenth Centuries : With a Catalogue of Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai Wares in Australian Collections. Oxford University Press. Miksic, J. N. (2006). “The art of Cirebon and the image of the ascetic in early Javanese Islam.” In James Bennett (Ed.), Crescent Moon: Islamic Art and Civilisation in Southeast Asia. Adelaide: Art Gallery of South Australia. pp. 120-144. Manguin, P.-Y. (2001). “The Introduction of Islam into Champa.” In Gordon, Alijah (ed.), The propagation of Islam in the Indonesian- Malay Archipelago. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian Sociological Research Institute, pp. 287-328.

Seated feline figures. Truc Phuong commune, Seated feline figure. Den Lê (Lê temple), Truc Ninh district. c. L 8 x H 15 cm, Nam Dinh Thanh Hoa, Thanh Hoa province. Restored museum, Nam Dinh Province. Late Lê dynasty. in 1805. Nghe, wood, c. L 25 x H 80 cm. (Credit: H. Njoto) (Credit: H. Njoto)

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 4 The Overland Trading Route between the Khmer Empire and the Champa

NSC HIGHLIGHTS Kingdoms: New Archaeological Findings from Northeast Cambodia By Tran Ky Phuong Researcher, Centre for Cultural Relationship Studies in Mainland Southeast Asia (CRMA)

Figure 1 - Prasat Ta-nang, as viewed from the southeast corner. The temple can be dated in the 8th to 9th century, based on its form, structural technique and design. (Credit: Tran Ky Phuong)

Researchers are constantly Sekong, Sesan and Sre Pok Rivers— northern part of central Vietnam and uncovering evidence to give us a were historically important to this are found further south. fuller picture of the past. Recent particular region since the 8th century discoveries, for example, have or earlier. In terms of the cultural landscape, deepened our understanding of the the region of northeast Cambodia relationship between the Khmer These three rivers greatly influenced: from Steung Treng to the Ratanakiri Empire and the Champa kingdoms. (1) resource distribution, extraction, Provinces and farther to the east, and production; (2) settlement can be connected with the northern The reassessment of recent patterns; (3) value chain dynamics; Central Highlands of Vietnam. This archaeological sites between the (4) social network developments. area consist of wide basalt plateaus Khmer empire and the Champa Collectively, they not only shape our that had no major obstructions in the kingdoms suggests that physical understanding of contact between form of overland passes. geography and dynamic communities the Khmer empire and Champa played a big role in determining the kingdoms, but also serve as socio- Routes through several passes could type and frequency of contact. economic models of the time. easily have linked them with the Cham polities along the eastern coasts and Based on the distribution of These three rivers have their a completely different and significant architectural sites recently recorded headwaters in the mountain ranges of resource zone – particularly coastal in Attapeu Province (Southern Laos), Vietnam which separate into eastern strand and maritime environs. together with the other archaeological and western watersheds. The eastern Interaction and exchange would have sites found in Steung Treng and watersheds flow from various passes, significantly benefited people on both Ratanakiri provinces in Northeast carving out short and small, but sides of the mountain ranges as well Cambodia (École Française adequate river valleys and flood plains as everyone in between – lowland d’Extrême-Orient et Ministère de la ultimately draining into coastal areas. and upland. culture et des beaux-arts 2006; Davis These substantially contributed to the 2001-05; Heng 2016), three major formation of the traditional historic The routes were likely linked tributaries of the Mekong River—the Cham homelands, which begin from through several Muong (settlements)

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 5 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Figure 2 - The map which presents the possible ancient routes of connection, joining the main ancient political and commercial centers/muong in relation to the ethnic communities in Cambodia, Laos and Central Vietnam who speak Mon-Khmer and Malayo-Polynesian languages. (Credit: Tran Ky Phuong) built along the royal highways whom all the former Khmer kings sent Highland of Vietnam is a newly found connecting the Khmer Empire ambassadors to offer annual tribute in brick temple called Prasat Ta-nang and Champa kingdoms. It can be the early 17th century (Dournes 1977: (Yeak Naang) (see Fig. 1), situated further hypothesised that many 9-42; Tranet 1983: 75-107). in a Jarai ethnic village called Dor minority groups were involved in the Touch/ Dor Pir Village, Northeast interactions between the Austronesian Anthropologists previously suggested Cambodia. Located near a small river Cham and the Mon-Khmer polities. that these mysterious Jarai kings were named O Tang, about 10km from the chiefs of village alliances, united the Cambodia-Vietnam border, the Steung Treng was likely to have been for defense and/or long wars related temple was fully covered by a dense the main centre which connected to controlling long-distant permanent forest and only identified and recorded northeast Cambodia to the Central trade networks (Nguyen Tu Chi 1996: in 2009. Highlands of Vietnam via the Sesan 453- 55, note: 15). River, possibly mediated through During a site visit in March 2014, many Jarai communities – an Austronesian One example in this east-west trade large timber blocks were observed to speaking people who worshipped the network that allows us to assert the be scattered throughout the temple mysterious King of Fire (Patau Apui) historical and cultural connection area. This suggests that there was and the King of Water (Patau Ia), to between Steung Treng to the Central a large commercial centre for the

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 6 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Figure 3 - Field research team in Attapeu province, Southern Laos in 2010. (Photographed by Thonglith Luongkhote)

exchange of goods in the vicinity of namely the royal highway linking the École Française d’Extrême-Orient et Ministère the Prasat Ta-nang temple. Khmer empire and Champa kingdoms. de la culture et des beaux-arts. (2006). Carte Archéologique du Cambodge Bassin du This map is dynamic and presents a Mekong, provinces de Stoeng Treng, Krâtie, The temple probably served as a picture of fluid interaction between Ratanak Kiri. Phnom Penh. religious centre for the traders who different cultures and linguistic groups Heng, Piphal. (2016). Transition to the prayed and offered donations to the over a long period of time instead of Pre-Angkorian period (300-500 CE): Thala gods. The temple was also a symbol a geography of isolated settlements. Borivat and a regional perspective.” Journal of the power of the local lord who of Southeast Asian Studies 41(3), pp. 484-505 controlled the trade route. Thus far, TRAN Ky Phuong was a curator at the (Oct). this monument represents the most Museum of Champa Sculpture in Danang, Vietnam, from 1978 until 1998. His recent Nguyen Tu Chi. (1996). Gop phan nghien cuu vivid evidence yet of an early 8th – 9th works include Crossing Boundaries – van hoa va toc nguoi [Contribution into studying centuries east-west network from the Learning From the Past to Build the Future: on culture and ethnic]. Hanoi: Van hoa-Thong lowlands to the uplands of Mainland An Archaeological Collaboration Between tin Publisher. Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam (2013); a co- Southeast Asia. edited volume on The Cham of Vietnam: Tran Ky Phuong, Thonglith Luongkhoth, and History, Society and Art (2011) with Bruce Phon Kaseka. (2015). “The new archaeological In terms of architectural elements, Lockhart; and the Unique Vestiges of finds in Northeast Cambodia, Southern Laos the temple itself shows design Champa Civilization (2014 – 3rd edition). Dr. and Central Highland of Vietnam: Considering elements of Pre-Angkorian Khmer Tran gave several lectures for the 2016 NSC on the significance of overland trading Archaeological Field School. route and cultural interactions of the ancient temples in combination with many kingdoms of Champa and Cambodia.” In typical architectural features of References Hidalgo Tan, N. (ed.), Advancing Southeast contemporaneous Cham temples. Asian Archaeology 2013, Selected Papers For example, the three temple- Davis, Bertell (ed.) (2001-05). ‘Unpublished from the First SEAMEO- SPAFA International group of Hoa Lai located near Phan preliminary research reports and field notes Conference on Southeast Asian Archaeology, in Steung Treng Province’. East Cambodian Chonburi, Thailand 2013 (ed. Noel Hidalgo Rang-Thap Cham City (formerly the Archaeological Survey (ECAS), NAGA Tan). Bangkok, Thailand: SEAMEO SPAFA Champa Kingdom of Panduranga) Research Group (Bertell Davis, Bion Griffin, Regional Center for Archaeology and Fine Arts. dating from the 8th - 9th centuries. Mike Dega, Kyle Latinis, Andy Cowan, Phon Kaseka). Tranet, M. (1983). ‘Étude sur la Savarta vatt Sampuk’, Seksa Khmer (Études Khmeres) 6: The conjectural map of the trade Dournes, Jacques. (1977). Pötao: une théorie 75-107. routes (see Fig. 2) connects the main du pouvoir chez les indochinois Jörai. Paris: ancient political and commercial Flammarion. centres in Mainland Southeast Asia,

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 7 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Figure 1: Map showing the Chiang Mai cultural interconnections. (Credit: Chiang Mai World Heritage Intiative) What’s in a Border?: The Chiang Mai World Heritage Initiative By Elizabeth H. Moore Visiting Senior Fellow, Nalanda–Sriwijaya Centre Heritage experts from all the globe Mai Provincial Municipality and Chiang past political divisions and also over met on 4-7 January 2017 at the Mai University. The forum included present logistic disparities made the Chiang Mai Expert Forum to identify academics and policy makers from a discussion brief. the essential characteristics and range of different organisations. unique elements of Lanna Historic If inscribed, Chiang Mai would add Cities. Their task was to assist with The transboundary character of the a 6th Thai property to the World the preparation of a World Heritage Keng Tung-Chiang Mai nomination Heritage List. There are five listings nomination for Chiang Mai historic is not common. Out of the 1,052 for Thailand, all listed between 1987 city. properties inscribed on the UNESCO and 2005. Three of these are Cultural World Heritage List, only 34 are properties (Historic City of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai city was founded by King Transboundary listings. Furthermore, Historic Town of Sukhothai and Mengrai in 1296 CE after a succession none of the Transboundary sites are Associated Historic Towns, Ban of earlier capitals. One of these was in Southeast Asia, with the four within Chiang Archaeological Site) and two Keng Tung (Chiang Tung) founded the Asia and the Pacific Region being Natural properties (Thungyai-Huai in 1287 CE. Keng Tung also became in Central and East Asia. Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries the base of the Mengrai dynasty in and Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest the 14th century when the grandson Why the absence of such Southeast Complex). of King Mengrai was based there. Asian sites given the many historical connections between cultural regions In contrast, there is just one Myanmar Both cities also have Lawa roots. which are today separated by national listing on the World Heritage List, the Over the centuries, Chiang Mai borders? Some of the historical and Pyu Ancient Cities inscribed in 2014 and Keng Tung have at times been logistical hurdles of a Transboundary as a Cultural property. The apparatus separated by political borders as nomination between Chiang Mai, and public knowledge in Thailand is seen today but at other times, such Lanna, Thailand and Keng Tung, Shan more widespread than in Myanmar, as in the 16th century, been part of States, Myanmar were highlighted in requiring a possible trans-border the same domain. The year 1558 was the forum. nomination to tally regulations and the beginning of one of the latter, a norms of different casts. While paused 200 year occupation of Chiang Mai For example, proposing a for the moment, the numerous links by King Bayinnaung of Myanmar’s Transboundary nomination would between the two areas offer fertile Toungoo Dynasty. celebrate a period of occupation, ground for future research on shared one not popularly included in the tangible and intangible heritage. Forum organisers included the local history of the city. The working Chiang Mai World Heritage Initiative timeline of the Chiang Mai Expert Prof. Moore presented a paper on “Chiang Mai and Keng Tung (Chiang Tung): History, Project—tasked by the Thailand Forum illustrates this, with scarce geography, archaeological models and World Heritage Focal Point, within the data included within the column curating knowledge” at the Chiang Mai National Commission for UNESCO— titled ‘Under Burmese’ (1558-1774 Expert Forum. along with the Chiang Mai Provincial CE). While the Myanmar contribution Administrative Organisation, Chiang to the distinct culture was raised,

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 8 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Not Just ‘Pots’: Understanding Social Complexity through Ceramics in Prehistoric Mainland Excavated display of Neolitihic burials and ceramics vessels at the Nong Ratchawat Archaeological Site and Learning Centre, Suphan Buri province, Thailand, June Southeast Asia 2016. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim)

the Mekong Delta for a few centuries By Tse Siang Lim (Higham 2014:278-286; Stark 2006b).

PhD Candidate, School of Archaeology and However, little is known about the Anthropology, Australian National University material processes involved in the social complexity of Southeast Asian The number and quality of artefacts trading network between China prehistory. This is where ceramics found in burial sites (mortuary goods) and the Mediterranean world via play an important role. Ceramics are good indicators of ancient social Southeast Asia and India (Higham are commonly found and thus are complexity. Social complexity was 2014:196-269; O’Reilly 2014a:485- prime candidates for the study of the fairly low during the Neolithic age, 490). material processes involved in the suggesting a period of comparatively socio-political evolution of prehistoric equal wealth distribution (Higham Understanding the evolution of societies. 2014:183-195; O’Reilly 2014b:478). social complexity is important for the Social complexity rose during the later region because the Iron Age’s social From every day cooking pots and Bronze Age in prehistoric Mainland complexity paved the way for the rise storage containers to elaborately Southeast Asia, intensified during of Funan, the earliest documented fashioned ritual and mortuary vessels, the Iron Age, and culminated in the Southeast Asian polity (Higham ceramics are well-represented in both emergence of intricate prehistoric 2014:278-286; Stark 2006a). By the staple and finance systems during chiefdoms. This emergence coincided end of the 6th century, a network of the Iron Age. They were widely with the expansion of Chinese walled cities, brick temples, extensive produced, distributed, and consumed influence into north Vietnam, as well canals, a writing system, monumental at all levels of prehistoric society. as the development of a maritime architecture and statuary developed in For instance, studies have shown that some classes of ceramic artefacts served as a measure and indicator of social distinction in both Southeast Asian prehistory and history. Stylistic, technological, and distribution analyses of decorative earthenware pottery found in the Philippines have suggested that some decorative styles could have been iconographic representations of elite alliances or shared identity in the late prehistoric and protohistoric period (Bacus 2003). As trade routes were gradually established between Southeast A clay miner and his haul, Phnom Phlang, A potter at work, Ondoung Rossey Village, Asian and overseas markets over Kompong Chnnang Province, Cambodia, Kompong Chnnang Province, Cambodia, the centuries, Chinese porcelains, September 2016. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim) September 2016. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim)

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 9 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Reconstructed burial ceramic vessels from Excavation of Iron Age burials and ceramic vessels from the site of Prei Khmeng by archaeologists the Iron Age site of Phum Sophy (Banteay from the “From Paddy to Pura: The Origins of Angkor” research project (www.paddytopura.info), Meancheay Province), Siem Reap, Cambodia, February 2014. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim) November 2015. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim) among other exotic luxury goods, socially-informed actions which reflect References became “key symbols of social status how social relations are created and Bacus, E.A. (2003). Styles of Alliance?: and political power” together with mediated in society (Stark 1998:5, 7). Decorated Earthenware in Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric Polities. In J.N. Miksic (ed.), indigenously manufactured prestige Earthenware in Southeast Asia. Proceedings goods for the Philippine elite (Junker Hence, the chaîne opératoire of the Singapore Symposium on Premodern Southeast Asian Earthenwares, pp.39-51. 1999: 183). Therefore, studying the approach is more likely to produce Singapore: Singapore University Press. dynamics involved in the exchange a better understanding of ceramic Higham, C.F.W. (2014). Early Mainland and distribution of different types production and typologies, and in Southeast Asia: From First Humans to Angkor. of ceramic goods is crucial to our turn, a more accurate picture of the Bangkok: River Books. understanding of the role material archaeological cultures. Junker, L. L. (1999). Raiding, Trading, and processes play in the development of Feasting. The Political Economy of Philippine Chiefdoms. Honolulu: University of Hawaií social complexity. Traditional typological approaches Press. towards ceramic classification are Kolb, C.C. (2011). Chaine Operatoire and Ceramics: Classifications and Typology, An important step in the study of usually based on arbitrary sets of Archaeometry, Experimental Archaeology, archaeological ceramics rests on parameters which do not necessarily and Ethnoarchaeology. In S. Scarcella (ed.), Archaeological Ceramics: A Review of Current the identification and understanding reflect the intended purpose and use Research, pp.5-19. British Archaeological of the respective chaîne opératoire by both the potters and consumers Reports International Series 2193. Oxford: (‘operational sequences’) involved respectively (Kolb 2011:7-8; Scarcella Archaeopress. in each successive production step 2011:1). O’Reilly, D.J.W. (2014a). Complex Society in Prehistoric Mainland Southeast Asia. In C. where the raw material is transformed Renfrew and P. Bahn (eds), The Cambridge into the finished product (Kolb 2011:8- Once one identifies and analyses World Prehistory. Volume 1: Africa, South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific, pp.478-493. 9; Roux 2016:101; Sellet 1993:106). variation and distribution patterns in New York: Cambridge University Press. The chaîne opératoire approach sees the production and consumption of O’Reilly, D.J.W. (2014b). Increasing complexity production steps as non-neutral, ceramics based on their respective and the political economy model; a consideration chaîne opératoire, a firm correlation of Iron Age moated sites in Thailand. Journal of can be made between these patterns Anthropological Archaeology 35:297-309. and differential social status. Roux, V. (2016). Ceramic Manufacture: the Chaîne Opératoire Approach. In A.M.W. Hunt (ed.), Oxford Handbook of Archaeological In sum, as one of the most common Ceramic Analysis, pp.101-113. Oxford Handbooks in Archaeology. Oxford: Oxford archaeological artefacts found in University Press. the region, ceramics hold secrets Scarcella, S. (2011). Introduction. In S. to the different layers and rituals of Scarcella (ed.), Archaeological Ceramics: prehistoric societies in Southeast A Review of Current Research. British Archaeological Reports International Series Asia. Ceramics are, after all, not just 2193. Oxford: Archaeopress. pots. Sellet, F. (1993). Chaine Operatoire; The Concept and its Applications. Lithic Technology Tse Siang Lim is currently working on his 18(1 & 2):106-112. doctorate entitled, “Ceramic Variability, Social Complexity and Political Economy Stark, M.T. (2006a). Early Mainland Southeast in Iron Age Cambodia and Mainland Asian Landscapes in the First Millennium A.D. Southeast Asia (c. 500 BC – 500 AD).” His Annual Review of Anthropology 35:407-432. research is supported by an Australian Cambodian sisters Chhoeun Samoen (Left) Government Research Training Program Stark, M.T. (2006b). From Funan to Angkor. and Chhoeun Lamoeuy (Right) assisting in the (RTP) Scholarship. This article is an In G.M. Schwartz and J.J. Nichols (eds), reconstruction of burial ceramic vessels from excerpt of a lecture given to the 2016 NSC After Collapse. The Regeneration of Complex Archaeological Field School. the Iron Age site of Phum Sophy (Banteay Societies, pp.144-167. Tuscon: The University Meancheay Province), Siem Reap, Cambodia, of Arizona Press. March 2014. (Credit: Tse Siang Lim)

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 NSC HIGHLIGHTS ISEAS-Yusof IshakInstitute Field School The 2016NSCArchaeological EVENTS: NSC Archaeological Field School members at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute. (Credit: Ea Darith) partnerships through goal-oriented partnerships through goal-oriented international strengthening and cross culturalcompetencies since its inception in2011.Enhancing School Field 4th the is This Vietnam. and Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Zealand, New Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia, Cambodia,China, 16 participantsfrom included This year’sEAScountryrepresentation analysis, and and presentedpreliminaryresults. fieldwork conducted their ownprojects, teams, designed formed small Participants Singapore. in 2016 and 10to15December in Cambodia to 10December2016 was conductedfrom20November TheFieldSchool artefact analysis. and excavations, archaeological interviews, experts, ethnographic with subjectmatter discussions visits, workshops,on-sitelectures, emanating from: site andmuseum covered awidevarietyoftopics 15 December 2016. Theseminar on Yusof IshakInstitute,Singapore, presentations deliveredat ISEAS- of EastAsiaSummit(EAS)participant successfully concludedwitha series (NSC) ArchaeologicalField School Centre The 2016Nalanda-Sriwijaya 10 Visiting Fellow,Nalanda–SriwijayaCentre By David Kyle Latinis settlement and ecology. of Koh Ker a betterunderstanding in 2015and2016order tobuild prior totheFieldSchools managers siteand operations by Cambodian designed were projects excavation sites. Thethreecomplementary control features,andearly habitation royal palacegrounds,ancient water forest of the conducting excavations and staff inthe spent 10 daysliving considered a usurper king.Participants previously – IV Jayavarman of reign capital city of Koh Kerunderthe 10th centuryAngkorian enigmatic training wereconductedatthe and excavations Archaeological Cambodia arethemainfocus. 1st through14thcenturiesinancient from the civilisations and Angkorian years. Specifically, the Funan, Chenla Asian interactionoverthelast2000 and pan- urbanisation, civilisations, of ancient covers thedevelopment Field School. The central theme of the are majorobjectives training skills teamwork, andtechnical international design, Research are keygoals. research projects andskills training to be abandoned and swallowed just to andswallowed be abandoned only carved outof theremotejungles was rapidly city” which a “short-lived narrative of with KohKer’scommon sharply activity –contrasting and – wellover1000yearsof occupation period tothecolonial and continuing habitation significant as earlythe7thcentury beginning that indicate IV’s dates andpotterystyleanalysis radiocarbon include which evidence Jayavarman of the10thcentury,archaeological by half first the in era boom construction defined city islargely the ancient Although art historicalevidence. and century accordingtoepigraphic exclusively placedintheearly10th period structuresare Angkorian all oftheseexceptafewlate pedestals, ornaments,etc.). Almost lintels, doorjambs, doorways, large architectural features(e.g., unique dam in the regionandenormous premodern the largest include features to Shiva.Otherlandscape dedicated pyramid sandstone tiered numerous as PrasatThom–the36mseven- by defined such achievements monumental is Ker Koh #4 •March-May •2017 11 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Exploring hidden corridors at Leper King Terrace, Angkor Drawing class at Prasat Damrei led by Aaron Kao (NSC). Thom. (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis) (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis).

Conservation and restoration workshop with APSARA National Authority at 9th century Bakong Temple - using traditional bricks, mortar, sandstone, and construction Mapping exercise with Michael Ng and Aaron Kao (NSC) technology. (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis). at Prasat Andong Kuk. (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis). as quickly by time and forest after (Gaur and Munjak, for example), non- participants for rising to the occasion the reign of Jayavarman IV. The new local fish, as well as a cornucopia of by continually helping each other and archaeological discoveries including other faunal remains. These occur making the Field School experience a the radiocarbon dates are very in multiple ash lenses suggesting lifetime memory, an amazing learning exciting and represent a significant repetitive use for long durations. This opportunity, and an enduring network change in understanding Koh Ker. is the first kitchen of its kind excavated of friendships and professional Reults have important implications for in Cambodia, allowing researchers partnerships. It was a rewarding research on Angkorian civilisation. to understand important details of experience for all and we are looking past diet, ecology, and perhaps forward to the 2017 campaign coming This year’s highlight was the conspicuous consumption through soon. confirmation of the royal palace feasting. grounds which included the discovery Applications for the 2017 NSC Archaeological Field School are due on 10 of multiple rooms, brick paved floors, Other highlights included site visits March 2017. The upcoming 2017 season, to drainage features, and an emerging to Angkor, Preah Vihear, Sambor be held on 28 July to 16 August, will feature complex design of the palace Prei Kuk, Phnom Chisor and Angkor research at Tonle Snguot, a 12th/13th structures. Of particular importance, a Borei. One of the most highly rated century hospital/chapel complex associated large semi-subterranean oven (1.5m training activities included a special with Jayavarman VII. in diameter) in a nearby habitation ethnoarchaeology and ethnography Further Information site yielded an abundance of cooking session at the traditional potting pots, kitchen features, post holes for villages in Kampong Chhnang. https://www.iseas.edu.sg/centres/nalanda- sriwijaya-centre/archaeology-unit/the-nsc- wooden structures, numerous animal archaeological-field-school bones from large wild mammals We are very proud of all the

Ethnographic mapping exercise at Kampong Chhnang potting village led Practicing profile drawings at the KK2 Habitation/ by Mr. Tep Sokha and S. T. Foo (NSC). Household Site. (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis) . (Credit: D. Kyle Latinis).

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 12 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Dr Teren Sevea, NSC Visiting Fellow and convener of the workshop, giving his opening remarks. (Credit: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute).

Participants at the workshop. (Credit: ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute). Workshop on Circulating the Bay of Bengal, Miraculously: Translating Wonder and Travel in Southeast Asia By Veena Nair

Research Officer, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute

The 7 February 2017 NSC Workshop seafarers and large sea creatures of individual human experiences. convened by Dr. Teren Sevea provided the framework for the idea It also showed the political and attracted over 50 participants from of religious figures who came to commercial calculations of European government ministries, foreign the rescue of mariners in distress, actors who were scrambling to get embassies, academia, private sector protected shipping, and carried their riches from Southeast Asia. Dr. firms, museums, and the broader teachings to distant parts of the Teren Sevea spoke about ascetics public. As one of the few workshops world. Prof. Vineeta Sinha used the whose miraculous travels were to undertake a comprehensive history of the Malayan Railways to central to the development of cults investigation of records and oral narrate the interlocking accounts in Batavia, Rangoon and Singapore histories of religion and spirituality of Indian, Hindu labour arrivals into and he explored the roving nature in Southeast Asia, it sought to Malaya and the forms of Hindu and technological flexibility of faqirs, explore the historical context and presence on the island. She studied miracles, religious articles, and spirits discourses on miracles, wonder, in particular sacred sites dedicated that traversed the Bay of Bengal. travel and circulation from medieval, to Muneeswaran, a deity from rural early modern and modern Southeast Tamil Nadu, which were erected For the final panel, Assoc Prof. Sumit Asia. It aimed to collect the histories along the railway tracks as they were Mandal spoke about stories detailing of religious enchantment, of mobile constructed. Muneeswaran has since the biographical details, miraculous saints, missionaries, mediums, gods, been described as the railway god acts and exceptional piety associated spirits and other travellers. and is still worshipped today. with keramat or gravesite shrines of notable Muslims. This allowed him The workshop comprised of three For the second panel, Dr. Ines to chart the sacred geography of the panels. In the first panel, Prof. Zupanov analysed texts from the Malay World. Prof. Kenneth Dean Barbara Andaya argued that there 16th to the 18th centuries written focused on the unique characteristics was a deeply-entrenched belief in the by Europeans with regards to the of the Chinese religious sphere in existence of underwater kingdoms Kingdom of Aceh in Sumatra to show Singapore by examining the role of and humanoid beings; a belief how enchantment in a religious sense spirit mediums as agents of ritual that was transported from Europe. and wonder in a secular register change in a fragmented syncretic The special relationship between mediated between the fear and horror ritual arena.

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 13 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Patrick Quinn giving a demonstration on ceramic petrography. (Credit: Lim Chen Sian) Archaeology Workshop: Ceramic Petrography & Prof. Marcos Martinon-Torres and Dr. Patrick Quinn visting the Thow Archaeological Sciences Kwang pottery kiln in Singapore. (Credit: Lim Chen Sian) By Michael Ng Research Officer, NSC

In October 2016, as part of the training instrument by chemical engineering and geographic rocks and minerals and personnel development at NSC, firm Metrohm. database, it is possible to postulate the Archaeology Unit organised an the provenance of the ceramic and intensive workshop on archaeological So, what is archaeological science understand aspects of technology science and ceramic petrography and ceramic petrography? How is and production techniques. for staff members. Over two days it useful to the understanding of the on 14 and 17 October, NSC AU past? In a nutshell, archaeologists The workshop was an enlightening was privileged to host two of United seek various ways to better analyse experience for the participants. It was Kingdom’s leading specialists from the the artefacts and the material culture impressive how much knowledge was Institute of Archaeology, University they excavate. Archaeological condensed in such a brief, impactful College London (UCL), Prof. Marcos science has many “tools” that workshop. According to Lim Chen Martinon-Torres and Dr. Patrick archaeologists utilise to better Sian (NSC Associate Fellow), the Quinn to conduct the workshop. interpret these artefacts by studying organiser of the workshop, “aside the geochemical, microstructure, and from developing our staffs’ capacities Dr. Quinn provided a concise elemental composition of artefacts and the inclusion of laboratory science introduction and practicum on ceramics to determine their provenance, techniques to our future research petrography where participants had technology of production, use, projects, we are looking to expand the opportunity to work with samples durability, and even contents (e.g. the collaboration for future training of ceramics under a petrographic pottery). programmes and field research with light microscope. Meanwhile Prof. our specialist colleagues from the Martinon-Torres elaborated on the Ceramic petrography, in particular, Institute of Archaeology UCL.” arsenal of archaeological scientific is an application which studies the techniques available, demystifying minerals of the clay. Through thin- * Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence; X-Ray Diffraction; Fourier Transform InfraRed the complex barrage of methods section microscopy, the minerals Spectrometry, Particle Induced X-Ray and acronyms (EDXRF, XRD, FTIR, within the ceramic exhibit different Emission; Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical PIXE, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, SEM, etc.*) colours and structures. By comparing Emission Spectrometry; Inductively Coupled confronting archaeologists today. the visible colours and structures Plasma-Mass Spectrometer; Scanning Electron The workshop also introduced the of the various rocks and minerals Microscope. latest portable Raman Spectroscopy found in the ceramics with a geologic

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 14 CORRESPONDENCE: 2016 NSC Archaeological Field NSC HIGHLIGHTS School Highlights: The Kampong Chhnang Experience By Anne-Di Victorino Berdin Graduate Student, Archaeological Studies Programme, University of the Philippines, Diliman

The paddles. (Credit: A.Berdin)

The 2016 NSC Archaeological Field School Participants observed how the clay pots were made. (Credit: Saw Chaw Yeh) The 2016 Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre Ethnoarchaeology is an ethnographic daughters. Nowadays, daughters (NSC) Archaeological Field School’s approach in which contemporary would much rather seek opportunities objectives were to expose the human activities are analysed to in the city than learn how to produce participants to archaeology as a identify behavioural patterns in the clay pots in the village. multidisciplinary subject. This was archaeological record (Gould 1989). done by introducing participants to Visiting the Kampong Chnnang female various methods in analysing material Our group witnessed how the local potters made me realise that age-old culture. I joined the Field School potters create these earthenwares traditions that benefit a society should mainly because of this reason, as well which are common utilitarian be preserved. It is therefore the role as to build networks and partnerships products in Cambodian households of archaeology to connect the ties in the region. (e.g. cooking pots and water jars). that bind ancient and modern pottery They showed us the materials they production in Cambodia through more Personally, one of the highlights used in producing the pots and also research and by ensuring that the of Field School was our visit to demonstrated how the pots were clay pottery production of Kampong Kampong Chhnang Province. made in a circular motion by walking Chhnang will not be lost forever. Located 91km from Phnom Penh, around the pot and shaping the Kampong Chhnang means “Port of wet clay with a paddle, rather than After all, what is the use of studying Pottery”. Its clay pottery production spinning it on a wheel. the material culture of the past if we is well-known in Cambodia. During can’t make sense of it in our present our short visit in Andoung Rusey Through the help of our local world? Village, we learned firsthand how interpreters, we were able to interview these clay pots were created the local potters. We learned that References through participant-observation and the art of clay pottery in Kampong Gould, Richard A. (1989). “Ethnoarchaeology interviews. This method of obtaining Chnnang is female-dominated. For and the Past: Our Search for the ‘Real Thing’”. data in archaeology is called several generations, mothers passed Fennoscandia Archaeologica VI: 3-22. http:// “Ethnoarchaeology”. the art of pottery production to their www.sarks.fi/fa/PDF/FA6_3.pdf

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 15 NSC HIGHLIGHTS

Khmer traditional house, Kampong Chnnang, Cambodia. (Credit: Nainunis Aulia Izza)

Koh Ker Villagers playing music and wearing Khmer traditional clothes for women during a blessing ceremony, Prasat Thom, Koh Ker, Cambodia. (Credit: Nainunis Aulia Izza) Learning Archaeology, Khmer traditional house interior, Kampong Chnnang, Knowing Southeast Asia Cambodia. (Credit: Nainunis Aulia Izza) By Nainunis Aulia Izza Graduate Student, Department of Archaeology, Universitas Indonesia

I had the amazing opportunity to be a participant in the people and their heritage: it gives me the impression 2016 NSC Archaeological Field School. The Field School that Southeast Asia’s past and present are dynamic, gave me a chance to visit Cambodia, a country I had never culturally rich, connected, and prosperous, with a history visited before. of remarkable kingdoms.

The Field School not only taught us archaeological Although the Field School has concluded it has been easy knowledge and practical skills but it also provided to stay in contact with fellow participants via our Facebook many invaluable cultural experiences. For example, the group. This is very useful to maintain our friendships programme included living in the jungle for 10 days—a through the sharing our thoughts and memories. This unique opportunity to get to know the environment and post-Field School sharing has taught me to see culture fellow participants extremely well. I was also able to from different perspectives. interact with local communities, witness Khmer traditions, and learn about traditional Khmer clothes, houses, art, and Overall, this was a great opportunity to learn archaeology writing. Furthermore, my knowledge about Funan, Chenla, and “know” Southeast Asia. I hope that the Field School Angkor, and Ancient Southeast Asia has significantly will continue to thorougly investigate relationships between increased. the ancient kingdoms of Southeast Asia. This knowledge will benefit present and future communities. In this Field School, I found value in being able to see Southeast Asia as an interactive region with a history of I look forward to doing further research on Cambodia and connectivity even with vast cultural differences. When I Southeast Asia. Finally, as Dr. Kyle Latinis and Dr. Ea look at traditional houses, clothes, the faces of the local Darith says, “Stay A+ and beep beep beep!”

Interacting with Villagers, at KK2, Koh Ker, Cambodia (Credit: Nainunis Aulia Izza) ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 NSC HIGHLIGHTS ISEAS-Yusof IshakInstitute ReportSeries NSC AUArchaeology of theMalaysand,ingeneral,SoutheastAsia. The listsareintendedtoprovidenewmaterialsforthestudyofmusicalhistory dictionaries. and Malay-Indonesian as European sources, aswell and Javanese Malay of Classical from apool terms mined lists ofmusical and discussvarious and 5)Austroasiatic(viatheOrangAsliofMalayPeninsula).HereI present and Melaka); Samudra-Pasai product ofalong-termcontactbetweenMajapahit, Javanese, Old 4) Javanese(asa Balinese, KhmerandCham;3)Middle-Eastern; later thaninOld appearing 2) Indic-orSanskrit-derived, terms: 1)Austronesian; musical these of sources linguistic five highlights study This language. literary the into introduced newly been culture,orashaving courtly/literary or inelite circle terms maybeinterpretedaseitherhavingbeenknownforaperiodoftimeinmusical and imageriesto illustrate themusicof their time. These attestations of musical Abstract Author: ArsenioNicholas Period (14th-17thCentury) Early The Literature: Classical Malay in Terms Musical NSC WorkingPaperNo.24 sequences conductedatthe site. were successfullyrecovered. This preliminary site report details the excavation covered asmallpartofthe constructionimpactzone,about375kgofmaterials only scale rescueexcavationin November2010.Whiletherescueexcavation large- deposits, whichledtoamonth-long pockets of pre-colonial 2009 revealed in December conducted evaluation to SoutheastAsianart.Anarchaeological as anewartmuseumdedicated and wasremodeled extensive redevelopment Abstract: Author: LimChenSian National GallerySingapore Preliminary ReportontheArchaeological Investigationsatthe NSC AUArchaeologyReportNo.5 goals. Centre’s the to relevant enquiry of fields from submissions outside as well as Centre the with partnership in conducted and relatedresearchconducted or presented withinthe disseminate archaeological Centre. This also includesresearch Centre The Archaeology Unit(NSCAU) Nalanda–Sriwijaya Archaeology ReportSerieswasestablishedto publish and RECENT PUBLICATIONS: https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/nsc-archaeological-reports The completeset oftheNSCAUArchaeologicalReport Seriescanbeaccessedvia: research conducted or presented within the Centre, and of studies engaging fields of enquiry of relevance to the Centre. Centre WorkingPaperSerieswasestablished for the The swift Nalanda-Sriwijaya publication andwidedisseminationof NSC Working Paper Series https://www.iseas.edu.sg/articles-commentaries/nsc-working-papers The completesetoftheNSCWorkingPaperscanbeaccessedvia: 16 : From the late14thcentury,Malayliteratimadeuseof musical references The former Supreme Court and Municipal Building (City Hall) underwent (City Hall) Building TheformerSupremeCourtandMunicipal #4 •March-May •2017 17 NSC HIGHLIGHTS NEW STAFF AT NSC

Nicholas CHAN (Research Officer) Nicholas Chan, research officer at the Centre, received his Masters Degree in Asian Studies from the S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University. He manages NSC’s website and social media platforms and assists with the editing of NSC publications.

FONG Sok Eng (Research Officer) Sok Eng obtained her Bachelor Degree with Honours in Social Sciences from National University of Singapore. Her primary research interests are in economics and history.

UPCOMING EVENTS: NSC Events External Events

2017 NSC Archaeological Field School Architecture and Power: Masonry Construction in Java from late 16th to early We are pleased to announce that the 2017 NSC 19th century Archaeological Field School will take place in Cambodia and Singapore between 28 Jul – 16 Aug 2017. Speaker: Dr Hélène Njoto Time: 23 March 2017 4:30-6:00pm The Field School includes numerous site visits and Location: HSS Conference Room 05-57, School of Humanities and Social Scienes, Nanyang Technological lectures that span almost 2,000 years of ancient University, Singapore civilisation. The core experiences focus on the ancient Info: http://www.hss.ntu.edu.sg/Programmes/history/ Angkorian polity. Participants will conduct intensive Pages/Seminars.aspx archaeological, heritage management, and cultural research at Tonle Snguot, a 13th century hospital/chapel complex associated with Jayavarman VII. Efforts will Association for Asian Studies Conference build upon previous studies of similar sites and general Dates: 16-19 March 2017 themes of urbanism, settlement, and specialised site Location:Toronto, Canada activities, and industries (the medical industry in this Info: http://www.asian-studies.org/ case). AASAnnualConference

The Tonle Snguot site is located near the northern Spalding Symposium on Indian Religions - gate at the famed Angkor Thom complex, Siem Reap, Cambodia. The Field School maintains a unique full- Theme: “Appearance and Reality” spectrum approach designed to introduce participants to Dates: 7-9 April 2017 research design, methodology, field skills, excavation, Location:University of Oxford analysis and presentation. Dr. D. Kyle Latinis (Nalanda- Info: https://spaldingsymposium.org/ Sriwijaya Centre, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute) and Dr. Ea Darith (APSARA National Authority) will lead the Conference: Labour, Working Animals, and project and fieldwork. the Environment in the Indian Ocean World Applications are now open and due on 10 March Dates: 4-5 May 2017 2017 (+8GMT), please see the following website for Location: Indian Ocean World Centre (IOWC), McGill further information: https://www.iseas.edu.sg/centres/ University, Montréal, Canada Info: http://indianoceanworldcentre.com/sites/default/ nalanda-sriwijaya-centre/archaeology-unit/the-nsc- files/Labour%2C%20Working%20Animals%2C%20 archaeological-field-school and%20Environment%20-%20CfP.pdf

ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute #4 • March-May • 2017 NSC Highlights is published by the Nalanda-Sriwijaya Centre at ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute 30 Heng Mui Keng Terrace Pasir Panjang 119614 Tel: (65) 6870 4509 Fax: (65) 6778 1735