| Abstract: |
While hierarchical models of socio-political development have been used to explain the emergence of Metal Age complex societies in the Old World, models that emphasise cultural progress and increasing degrees of social hierarchy have impeded our understanding of Thailand's socio-cultural development during the pre-state Metal Age (c. 2000 BC - AD 500). To advance understanding of Metal Age societies in Thailand, White (1995:104) has proposed a heterarchy framework. This paper summarises the background and methodology of an archaeological survey project conducted in Nakhon Sawan Province, central Thailand in 2002. The project was designed to test heterarchical and hierarchical frameworks for best fit with Metal Age settlement patterns in the upper Chao Phraya region. Although analysis of the data is not yet complete, some initial observations are presented here.
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