Publications
The death jar: a new mortuary tradition at the Plain of Jars, Lao PDR
Excavation of a massive stone jar at Site 75 in the Plain of Jars, Laos, reveals it to be part of a collective mortuary tradition involving secondary interments. The discovery of at least 37 disarticulated individuals suggests the jars played a role in a complex funerary sequence, with radiocarbon dating indicating prolonged use between approximately AD 890–1160. This period coincides with increased regional interaction and mobility in Southeast Asia, offering new insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the time.
The Plain of Jars - Xieng Kuang Battlefield (Laos) during the Years 1969-1972
During the Vietnam War, the Plain of Jars - Xieng Khuang in Laos emerged as one of the most intense battlegrounds on the Indochinese Peninsula. This study reveals that the region's strategic significance led to prolonged and fierce confrontations between major powers from 1969 to 1972, with lasting impacts on Laos' geopolitical landscape. The research analyzes the battlefield's strategic position and documents the evolution of military activities during this period, while also elucidating the complex relationship between Vietnam and Laos. By focusing on primary historical sources and strategic assessments, the study provides a nuanced understanding of the conflict's dynamics and its broader implications for Southeast Asian history.
Preliminary site report of a stone jar burial in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
A groundbreaking discovery at the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang, Lao People's Democratic Republic, provides the first substantial evidence that stone jars were used as burial sites for primary or secondary burials between the 9th and 12th centuries CE. This challenges long-standing debates about their purpose, which had previously been limited to symbolic monuments or receptacles without conclusive human remains. The study, conducted through archaeological excavations, reveals a rare case of substantive human burials within these jars, offering new insights into the mortuary practices of the Southeast Asian Iron Age (500 BCE–500 CE) and subsequent ritual activities extending into the 13th century.
A field work report on newly discovered and documented megalithic jar sites in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
A recent field survey in Xiengkhuang Province, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), has significantly expanded the known inventory of megalithic jar sites. The 2020 research by the Plain of Jars Archaeological Research Project identified 27 previously undocumented sites, increasing the total from 102 to 127, with 124 now geo-located. This discovery enriches our understanding of the region's vast megalithic landscape, characterized by large stone jars, discs, and imported boulders positioned on elevated terrain. The study also provides a preliminary analysis of jar site distribution and characteristics, laying groundwork for deeper investigations into these ancient sites.
Secondary burial practice at megalithic jar site 1, Plain of Jars Laos
Excavations at Site 1, one of the largest megalithic jar sites in Laos, have revealed evidence of secondary burial practices dating from the 8th to 13th centuries. This confirms that multiple individuals were interred in shared mortuary contexts, providing new insights into ritual practices at UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plain of Jars. The research, conducted by a Lao/Australian team, builds on previous studies and employs archaeological methods to analyze burial patterns and contextualize the site's significance within broader historical and cultural frameworks.
Dating the megalithic culture of laos: Radiocarbon, optically stimulated luminescence and U/Pb zircon results
A groundbreaking study sheds light on the enigmatic megalithic jar sites of Laos, revealing that these ancient structures may have been positioned as early as the late second millennium BC. Using a combination of radiocarbon dating, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and U/Pb zircon analysis, researchers determined the likely source of the stone used for the jars and traced the timeline of their placement on the landscape. The study also found that mortuary activities around the jars persisted from the 9th to 13th century AD, indicating a sustained ritual significance over millennia. This research provides crucial insights into one of Southeast Asia's least understood archaeological cultures.
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