| Abstract: |
Circular earthworks with an outer wall and inner ditch are characteristic of the Mimotien culture of the red soil area of Eastern Cambodia and southern Viet Nam. The lack of metal finds has urged most researchers to classify this culural complex as Neolithic, as a reliable series of radiocarbon dates in still lacking. The discovery of five fragmentary glass bracelets in the upper part of the occupational later of circular earthwork Krek 52/62 gives new evidence. The lack of metal artifacts can be explained by the very acidic conditions of the soils, with a pH under 4. The excellent macroscopic state of preservation of the glass bangles is due to their very high alumina content, which protects the glass from weathering, although one fragment shows significant chemical alteration phenomena on the outer surface. Their composition points to an origin of the glass masses in India or southern Viet Nam, Thailand and the Philippines. At Giong Ca Vo, near Ho Chi Minh City, parallel finds for the Krek glass bangles were found next to a probable Sa Huynh glass production area. Two Indo-Pacific beads from Krek Village No. 18 differ from the bangles clearly in their composition, as do natural tektite glasses.
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