The material culture of Ban Bon Noen

Abstract

This thesis examines the material culture from the six occupational layers at Ban Bon Noen, Central Thailand. Through the analysis of the ceramic, lithic and metallurgical assemblages, the range of subsistence activities at Ban Bon Noen are determined and the site is placed in a broad regional context. Ban Bon Noen reveals two major phases of occupation. The first phase may date from as early as 1500BC. In the later stage, Ban Bon Noen is incorporated into the Dvaravati polity, becoming one of several rural hinterland sites providing support to elites at the ceremonial centre of Muang Phra Rot. The archaeological evidence indicates that the residents of Ban Bon Noen exploited a range of terrestrial and marine resources. The site is furthermore seen to conform to a broad regional pattern, both in the location of the site as well as the technology of the inhabitants. Comparative analysis of a number of Southeast Asian sites, including Khok Phanom Di, Nong Nor, Chansen and Oc Eo, indicate cultural continuity in the region, underscored by a well-developed network of exchange.