Prehistoric wares

Prehistoric earthenware vessels were closely linked with the ceremonial and ritualistic customs of the people. Whole and broken pieces found in burials have produced valuable information bout the sociological aspects of the early inhabitants of the region.

A comparison of artifacts from various sites indicated cultural links between prehistoric groups in the region in addition to pottery, similar metal tools and glass beads have been found at sites in Indonesia (Borneo), Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), the Philippines, and Thailand.

Typical pottery of the prehistoric period in Southeast Asia is an earthenware vessel, hand built with coils, and finished with an anvil and beater. Although there is evidence that some of the vessels may have been turned on a wheel for decorating, full use of the potter's wheel was employed at a much later date. The vessel is medium sized, with a globular body, wide mouth, and round bottom. It was fired at a low temperature in an open pit, which produced various earth tones on the exterior. The vessel was often finished with a combination of cord marking and incised geometric designs. The early vessels of the region are surprisingly pleasing to the eye and well constructed, with balanced proportions.

Identified prehistoric sights in Cambodia date to the fourth millennium BC. Collected artifacts are similar, both stylistically and in apparent use, to those found in other parts of the region.

Prehistoric earthenware burial vessels have been found in cages in Malaysia at Sabah. Evidence shows that firing of the wares took place inside the caves, an ingenious forerunner of the kiln.

Pottery has also been found inside a cave on the island of Palauan, in the south-western part of the Philippines. The cache of decorated ritual vessels is dated to the first millennium BC. Burial sites in the Philippines have produced pottery dating from the middle of the second millennium BC.

The prehistoric Ban Chiang culture in Thailand extends from about the fourth millennium BC to the third or fourth century AD. However, since bronze and iron artifacts found in association with pottery represent products of a highly developed metal industry, it is possible that additional discoveries may produce an earlier date for the beginning of prehistory in Thailand.

A characteristic vessel of the late Ban Chiang period is a large upright pot with sharp angles, a wide flaring rim, and a pedestal. It was made from a dark clay and covered with a buff slip. An asymmetrical geometric motif combining thick and think lines was boldly painted with red vegetable dye on the body.