| Abstract: |
Southeast Asia, once seen as a cul de sac in the greater scheme of Asian prehistory and history, has enjoyed considerable archaeological successes over the past several decades. However, although it may be intellectually recognized that the territory now called Laos was part of this larger milieu, relatively little attention has been given to the systematic archaeological investigation of Lao history or prehistory. Recent findings in a portion of eastern Khammouan and Savannakhet provinces drained by the Nam Kok and the Xe Bangiang suggest some promise to correct this state of affairs. Ah hoc canvassing of villages conducted adjunct to non-archaeological activities has started to document a distribution of material culture that seems at least potentially related, and very possibly considered atypical for Mainland Southeast Asia, i.e., stone-faced terraces, and stream and spring diversion utilizing rock-lined channels, all very reminiscent of Pacific Island irrigation systems. One of these terraced systems has been radiometrically dated to AD 1470 - 1640.
|
