Controversial Ban Chiang – What’s the Truth?

Discovery of a Lost Bronze Age

Ancient and long-forgotten Biang Chiang, hidden from human knowledge for millennia, was rediscovered only in the 1960s.

It is an important archaeological find that bridges a vast expanse of time, providing a connection to a distant past that was thought lost. Its rediscovery after so many years offers a window into history that has reshaped understanding of that era.

This rediscovery shows that, even in the modern age, there are still ancient secrets waiting to be uncovered. This one sparked excitement in academic and public circles alike, leading to new research and cultural insights.

And with the excitement created by these insights and new research into Biang Chiang came controversy among archaeological scholars. Controversy fuelled by a potential overturning of conventional understanding of Bronze Age timelines.

The Bronze Age in Isaan, also known as North East Thailand, is an important period in the region’s prehistory.

  1. The Bronze Age in this region is generally considered to have lasted from around 2000 BCE to 500 BCE.
  2. Important Bronze Age sites in Isaan include Ban Chiang, Non Nok Tha, and Ban Na Di. Ban Chiang, in particular, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most significant prehistoric settlements discovered in South East Asia.
  3. This period saw the introduction and development of bronze metallurgy in the region. People learned to alloy copper with tin to create bronze, which was used for tools, weapons, and decorative items.
  4. Evidence suggests a transition from purely agricultural societies to more complex social structures, possibly including early forms of chiefdoms.
  5. Rice cultivation was well-established, and there’s evidence of water buffalo domestication.
  6. Rich burial goods, including bronze artifacts, pottery, and jewelry, indicate beliefs in an afterlife and possible social stratification.
  7. The presence of bronze suggests trade networks, as tin deposits are not found locally in Isaan.
  8. Distinctive pottery styles developed, including the famous red-on-buff painted pottery of Ban Chiang.

While the Bronze Age finds in Isaan have greatly contributed to understanding of prehistoric South East Asian societies and their technological developments, there have been controversies regarding the dating of some sites, particularly early dates proposed for Ban Chiang, which have since been revised.

Initial Dating:

When Ban Chiang was first excavated in the 1960s and 1970s, radiocarbon dating suggested that bronze production at the site began as early as 4000 BCE. This would have made it one of the earliest bronze-producing cultures in the world.

Implications

These early dates caused a sensation in archaeological circles, suggesting that South East Asia, rather than the Middle East or China, might have been the origin of bronze technology.

Skepticism

Many archaeologists were skeptical of these early dates as they didn’t align with the broader understanding of technological development in the region.

Reassessment

In the 1990s and 2000s, new dating techniques and reanalysis of the original samples led to a significant revision of the chronology.

Current Understanding

The current consensus places the beginning of the Bronze Age at Ban Chiang around 2000-1800 BCE, with the site occupied until about 300 BCE.

Reasons for Discrepancy

The earlier dates were likely due to issues with sample selection, including the dating of wood that was already old when used by ancient inhabitants.

Impact

This revision has reshaped understanding of South East Asian prehistory, aligning it more closely with bronze age developments in other parts of Asia.

Ongoing Research

While the extremely early dates have been discarded, research continues to refine understanding of the chronology and development of Bronze Age cultures in Isaan.

Observation

This controversy highlights, even from from a non-archaelogist’s perspective, the importance of:

  • rigorous dating methods in archaeology
  • the need for ongoing reassessment of evidence as techniques improve.

It also highlights how initial exciting discoveries can sometimes lead to premature conclusions that require later correction.

More Unwanted Attention

Ban Chiang was the centre of more scandal in 2008 when its previous looting and smuggling operations were revealed.

 

 

© Kim Epton 2024
682 words.

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