Ref ID:	23685
Ref Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Pryce, T. O. Pigott, V. C.
Title:	Towards a definition of technological styles in prehistoric copper smelting in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley of central Thailand
Date:	2008
Source:	From Homo erectus to the living traditions
Place of Publication:	Chiang Mai
Publisher:	European Association of Southeast Asian Archaeologists
Notes:	Choice of Papers from the 11th International Conference of the European Association of Southeast Asian Archaeologists, Bougon, 25th-29th September 2006.
Abstract:	Ongoing research has highlighted the importance of metal technologies in understanding regional social interactions during the Southeast Asian Bronze and Iron Ages. The current project focuses on the Khao Wong Prachan Valley, a major prehistoric copper-producing locale on the central plains of Thailand. The two neighbouring sites investigated, Non Pa Wai and Nil Kham Haeng, have enormous quantities of artefacts relating to the production of copper from the period circa 1500 BC to 300 BC, with approximately three centuries of overlapping occupation. Archaeometallurgical analysis and interpretation of these artefacts is focused on explaining the development of copper smelting technologies between the two sites using a 'technological approach' to material culture. At present, evidence shows that the populations of Non Pa Wai and Nil Kham Haeng were employing slightly different methods to extract copper from local mineral sources. Determining the reasons for these technological differences is of direct relevance to the characterisation of human occupation in the Khao Wong Prachan Valley, and highlights the value of archaeometallurgical and technological approaches to Southeast Asian archaeology.
Date Created:	10/7/2008
Editors:	Pautreau, Jean-Pierre Coupey, Anne-Sophie Zeitoun, Valéry Rambault, Emma
Page Start:	139
Page End:	149