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Ref ID: 22882
Ref Type: Book Section
Authors: Suvimolcharoen, Jutamas
Treerayapiwat, Cherdsak
Zeitoun, Valéry
Nakbunlung, Supaporn
Title: The case of the Mon Pha Tai "Sacred Place", Chiang Rai province: archaeological implements and geosymbolism
Date: 2012
Source: Crossing borders: selected papers from the 13th International Conference of the European Association of Southeast Asian Archaeologists
Place of Publication: Singapore
Publisher: NUS Press
Abstract: The site of Mon Pha Tai is located at Baan Nong Khuang village in the Ing River basin (Chiang Rai province) which is the main river which runs from the south to the north and flows into the Mekong River at Chiang Khong. In this region mainly consisting of flat plains, we undertook an archaeological survey on the several little inselbergs which provided potsherds from the historical Lanna period (14th-17th centuries CE) found on the soil surface and occurring preferentially close to big natural isolated blocks. Mon Pha Tai is characterized by stone alignments that form a trapezium –shaped structure where erected stones rise to a maximum of 1m above the soil surface. A pavement of only one layer of brick has been uncovered probably belonging to the Lanna period according to the standardized bricks size. Rare green glazed stoneware originating from the Phong Daeng kiln in Chiang Rai province and other artifacts of Phan style have been uncovered inside the stone alignments after excavation. More numerous potsherds gathered and excavated all around the stone alignments are stoneware belonging to the three main ceramic regional production centers of Phayao, Phan and Wieng Kalong. We present and discuss the results of archaeological excavations aiming to clarify how the standing stone structure was built and to identify periods during which it has been used or re-used. From a broader perspective, we also brought to light new information about the so-called Asian megalithism but our archaeological approach also shares common background with anthropology and geography by referring to the concept of geosymbol as we consider that this site was most likely used for ceremonial or religious purposes.
Date Created: 9/24/2013
Editors: Tjoa-Bonatz, Mai Lin
Reinecke, Andreas
Bonatz, Dominik
Volume: 1
Page Start: 171
Page End: 180