Product Description

Antique Ban Chiang Figures

Material: Bronze
Style: Ban Chiang, Thailand
Size: Height 3 cm, Width 2 cm
Order Number: MHSABCF1

Ban Chiang in northeast Thailand was discovered in 1966 and is the most important prehistoric settlement discovered in Southeast Asia. The site was abandoned, perhaps because of climate change, and buried underground for at least 2,000 years. The site was again occupied in the late 18th century by farmers migrating across the nearby Mekong River.

The initial settlement of Ban Chiang took place about 1500 BC with the transition to the Bronze Age about 1000 BC. The site was continuously occupied from 1500 BC until about 900 BC. There were many burials, rich in ceramic and metal grave goods. 

It contains early evidence of settled agrarian occupation in Southeast Asia, wet rice agriculture, domesticated chickens, cattle, and pigs, and pottery.

The site has exceptional and uniquely early evidence of the knowledge of bronze-making with remains of raw materials, production facilities, and bronze tools and ornaments.

The earliest grave was about 2100 BC and the latest was about 200 AD. Bronze making began around 2000 BC. Bronze objects include spearheads, axes, adzes, hooks, blades, bracelets, rings, anklets, wires, rods, and little bells.

The site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.

Map of Ban Chiang.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).