S15 INTERPRETING ISLAND SOUTHEAST ASIA THROUGH PHILIPPINE ARCHAEOLOGY
19June 2019, Galleria 1, 0830-1000 hours
Convener:Don Matthews (don.matthews@anu.edu.ph) and Anna Pineda (anna.pineda@upd.edu.ph)
The Philippines is geographically strategic in understanding Southeast Asian exchanges in the past. The rich diversity of cultural and archaeological studies within the wide geographic distribution of its islands, gives a unique view of the complex and multifaceted history of Southeast Asia. In this session, we explore some of the remarkable research being undertaken in the Philippines. Papers will focus on enhancing our comprehension of social complexity within Southeast Asia by highlighting the diverse and often reflective role of Philippines in the Southeast Asian past. The timeline covered by the studies range from the paleolithic to the historical period.
Francis N. Claravall
Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines
cisco.claravall@gmail.com
The Dewil Valley in El Nido, Palawan holds several known archaeological sites; most of these sites are caves and rockshelters within karst formations. There are a few open sites known but they yielded, as of current studies, minimal information. Specifically, there are no metal artefacts found in these open sites.
This study focuses on the metal artefacts recovered from archaeological sites in the Dewil Valley. The study attempts to better understand the metallurgical nature of artefact assemblages by creating a system of classifying the materials mainly by morphology and chemical composition. The bases of this classification study of the metal artefacts focus on their physical characteristics such as state of preservation, type of material, form/shape features. This study also aimed and attempts to contribute in improving the classification of highly corroded metal artefacts.
This was done mainly through physical examination and radiographic imaging of the assemblage. Further chemical analysis was applied to selected metal artefacts in order to know their specific alloy composition.The archaeological context, where the metal artefacts were found was also used in classification in order to better understand the purpose and possible time depth of the objects.
The classification of metal artefacts from the Dewil Valley has revealed the primary classes and forms that are prevalent. Artefacts with no sharp edges that are mostly made from iron comprised the majority, followed by blades, socketed, and circular artefacts. Majority of the artefacts with no sharp edges were likely broken intentionally and deposited as votive offering. The blades and socketed artefacts showed a preference towards having a double edged blade, which were more utilitarian than those with single edges. The non-edged artefacts are mostly made from non-iron materials that could signify their ornamental purpose and value. The elemental properties of the non-iron artefacts are highly suggestive that the early users of these metal artefacts had originally been introduced to the valley.
This study has created a classification system that may work and can basically be used for organising metal artefact assemblage in other sites supplemental with other methods. When this classification system was applied to the Dewil Valley sites, it supported current thinking that the sites within the valley are mainly ritual spaces.
Myra Lara
lara.mgrac@gmail.com
Helen Lewis
helen.lewis@ucd.ie
Victor Paz
victor.paz@up.edu.ph
Excavations in the Dewil Vallley, northern Palawan, southwestern Philippines have uncovered a number of mortuary modules spanning from 9,000 BP up to the last few centuries. These consisted of extended burials during the late miIllenium, extended burials during the Metal Periods, secondary burials possibly also from the Metal Periods or later, extended burials during the Neolithic and cremation burials during the late Palaeolithic Period. We describe the different mortuary assemblages we found in at least six sites in the Dewil Valley and relate them to similar practices so far found in the Southeast Asian region.
Don Matthews
Australian National University
don.matthews@anu.edu.au
Anna Pineda
University of the Philippines
anna.pineda@upd.edu.ph
The landscapes where Metal Age (2500-1000 BP) jar burials occur are often specific, suggesting that these sites were selected for both practical and cosmological reasons. This paper looks at two facets of the landscape of jar burial cemetery sites: the arrangement of the burials and other features within the cemetery site, and the site's overall position within the local landscape. The main case study examines a Metal Age jar burial site in the Philippines, specifically the Catanauan Site in Quezon Province, and uses observations on the burial layout and its relation to the landscape. We will present the concept of liminality relating to death and burial and their association to physical changes in the terrain. This will be done through examining ethnographic and ethnohistoric data from contextually related sites in Southeast Asia.
Eleanor Marie S. Lim
Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-ASP)
elle13.lim@gmail.com
Patterns in dental pathologies and lesions can be used to investigate the general health status of past peoples, since teeth are remarkably effective as an aid for interpreting diet, living conditions and habits between ages, and the change (gradual or abrupt) of cultural traditions. This research evaluates the biological indicators of dental disease, including dental defects, in human skeletal remains to determine the overall health status of two human skeletal assemblages from two coastal archaeological sites. Samples derive from two sites in the Philippines dating to two periods (c. 500 BC to AD 500 and 12th to 16th century). Dental diseases (caries, antemortem tooth loss, and periodontal disease) and linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) were assessed by both the number of individuals and the number of elements observed. There are significant differences between the sites in frequencies of dental diseases and lesions in the samples. There are low frequencies of caries and antemortem tooth loss from both sites, while periodontal disease was more prevalent in the other. On the other hand, occurrence of LEH show no significant differences between the sites. Variations and similarities in dental disease and childhood stress (LEH) frequencies between the sites may be due to local disparity in cultural, microenvironment, and/or temporal differences, the age structure of the samples, as well as food consumption and preparation.
Nero M. Austero
MUCHD, National Museum of the Philippines
neroburner@yahoo.com
Round shots were primarily used to sink ships by damaging the hull during naval wars. Often times these projectiles can also be heated or covered with flammable preparations to set vessels of the opponent on fire and blow up ammunition storage areas. These stones are also among the other materials submerge underwater along several shipwrecks in the world where less attention has been put into. In the Philippines for example, most maritime and underwater archaeological studies in the country has been mainly focused on valuable cargoes such as porcelain materials, other ceramics and pottery, jewels and other high valued artifacts such as gold and silver. This paper presents the initial assessment results of the stone shot collections from the Philippines.
Over 200 stone shots were recovered from the Thitu Reef, Southwestern Philippines during an archaeological exploration in May 30 to June 25, 1996. And about sixty-three (63%) of the total number of cannonballs weighed 1.2 pounds. to 4.2 pounds that could probably fit to a 1-pdr or 4-pdr guns. While the other 33 % falls over 4.2 pounds to 28.2 pounds at the maximum. Based on the few cracked samples from the site, the stones appeared to be coarse to medium grained igneous rock probably of granitoids type. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis further showed Silica (Si) as the dominant components along with Aluminum (Al), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Iron (Fe) could further signifies the types of stone materials used.
Robin Meyer-Lorey
UCLA
rsmeyerlorey@yahoo.com
Paleoethnobotanical evidence collected in the Bicol Archaeological Project 2018 field season suggests maintenance of local traditions during the Spanish colonial era. These traditions include use of hardwood resources and medicinal plants, which intensified over time from pre-Spanish to Spanish colonial times. Paleoethnobotanical evidence for cultural persistence and resistance can be understood more clearly if Bicolano Catholic practice is used as a local framework for how resistance was carried out in this region. Bicolano culture changed rapidly during the Spanish colonial period, most notably through rapid conversion to Catholicism. While Catholic conversion was a tool of conquest and colonization, many aspects of pre-Spanish tradition have been maintained in Bicolano Catholic practice even to the modern day. This paper argues that this kind of cultural persistence constitutes successful resistance to colonial power. Furthermore, whether conscious or unconscious, resistance through cultural persistence was present in many other aspects of Bicolano culture alongside Catholic practice, as evidenced by the paleoethnobotanical material discussed in this paper.
Convener:Don Matthews (don.matthews@anu.edu.ph) and Anna Pineda (anna.pineda@upd.edu.ph)
The Philippines is geographically strategic in understanding Southeast Asian exchanges in the past. The rich diversity of cultural and archaeological studies within the wide geographic distribution of its islands, gives a unique view of the complex and multifaceted history of Southeast Asia. In this session, we explore some of the remarkable research being undertaken in the Philippines. Papers will focus on enhancing our comprehension of social complexity within Southeast Asia by highlighting the diverse and often reflective role of Philippines in the Southeast Asian past. The timeline covered by the studies range from the paleolithic to the historical period.
The Classification of Archaeometallurgical Artefacts from the Dewil Valley Archaeological Sites, El Nido, Palawan
Francis N. Claravall
Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines
cisco.claravall@gmail.com
The Dewil Valley in El Nido, Palawan holds several known archaeological sites; most of these sites are caves and rockshelters within karst formations. There are a few open sites known but they yielded, as of current studies, minimal information. Specifically, there are no metal artefacts found in these open sites.
This study focuses on the metal artefacts recovered from archaeological sites in the Dewil Valley. The study attempts to better understand the metallurgical nature of artefact assemblages by creating a system of classifying the materials mainly by morphology and chemical composition. The bases of this classification study of the metal artefacts focus on their physical characteristics such as state of preservation, type of material, form/shape features. This study also aimed and attempts to contribute in improving the classification of highly corroded metal artefacts.
This was done mainly through physical examination and radiographic imaging of the assemblage. Further chemical analysis was applied to selected metal artefacts in order to know their specific alloy composition.The archaeological context, where the metal artefacts were found was also used in classification in order to better understand the purpose and possible time depth of the objects.
The classification of metal artefacts from the Dewil Valley has revealed the primary classes and forms that are prevalent. Artefacts with no sharp edges that are mostly made from iron comprised the majority, followed by blades, socketed, and circular artefacts. Majority of the artefacts with no sharp edges were likely broken intentionally and deposited as votive offering. The blades and socketed artefacts showed a preference towards having a double edged blade, which were more utilitarian than those with single edges. The non-edged artefacts are mostly made from non-iron materials that could signify their ornamental purpose and value. The elemental properties of the non-iron artefacts are highly suggestive that the early users of these metal artefacts had originally been introduced to the valley.
This study has created a classification system that may work and can basically be used for organising metal artefact assemblage in other sites supplemental with other methods. When this classification system was applied to the Dewil Valley sites, it supported current thinking that the sites within the valley are mainly ritual spaces.
Mortuary practices in the Dewil Valley in the context of the Southeast Asian funerary record
Myra Lara
lara.mgrac@gmail.com
Helen Lewis
helen.lewis@ucd.ie
Victor Paz
victor.paz@up.edu.ph
Excavations in the Dewil Vallley, northern Palawan, southwestern Philippines have uncovered a number of mortuary modules spanning from 9,000 BP up to the last few centuries. These consisted of extended burials during the late miIllenium, extended burials during the Metal Periods, secondary burials possibly also from the Metal Periods or later, extended burials during the Neolithic and cremation burials during the late Palaeolithic Period. We describe the different mortuary assemblages we found in at least six sites in the Dewil Valley and relate them to similar practices so far found in the Southeast Asian region.
Liminality and Landscape in a Jar Burial Site: A Study of the Catanauan Site, Quezon Province, Philippines
Don Matthews
Australian National University
don.matthews@anu.edu.au
Anna Pineda
University of the Philippines
anna.pineda@upd.edu.ph
The landscapes where Metal Age (2500-1000 BP) jar burials occur are often specific, suggesting that these sites were selected for both practical and cosmological reasons. This paper looks at two facets of the landscape of jar burial cemetery sites: the arrangement of the burials and other features within the cemetery site, and the site's overall position within the local landscape. The main case study examines a Metal Age jar burial site in the Philippines, specifically the Catanauan Site in Quezon Province, and uses observations on the burial layout and its relation to the landscape. We will present the concept of liminality relating to death and burial and their association to physical changes in the terrain. This will be done through examining ethnographic and ethnohistoric data from contextually related sites in Southeast Asia.
Patterns in Dental Health and Disease in Philippine Pre-Spanish Colonial Period
Eleanor Marie S. Lim
Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines-Diliman (UP-ASP)
elle13.lim@gmail.com
Patterns in dental pathologies and lesions can be used to investigate the general health status of past peoples, since teeth are remarkably effective as an aid for interpreting diet, living conditions and habits between ages, and the change (gradual or abrupt) of cultural traditions. This research evaluates the biological indicators of dental disease, including dental defects, in human skeletal remains to determine the overall health status of two human skeletal assemblages from two coastal archaeological sites. Samples derive from two sites in the Philippines dating to two periods (c. 500 BC to AD 500 and 12th to 16th century). Dental diseases (caries, antemortem tooth loss, and periodontal disease) and linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) were assessed by both the number of individuals and the number of elements observed. There are significant differences between the sites in frequencies of dental diseases and lesions in the samples. There are low frequencies of caries and antemortem tooth loss from both sites, while periodontal disease was more prevalent in the other. On the other hand, occurrence of LEH show no significant differences between the sites. Variations and similarities in dental disease and childhood stress (LEH) frequencies between the sites may be due to local disparity in cultural, microenvironment, and/or temporal differences, the age structure of the samples, as well as food consumption and preparation.
Cannonballs: An insight on the use of stone shots as latent source of archaeological information
Nero M. Austero
MUCHD, National Museum of the Philippines
neroburner@yahoo.com
Round shots were primarily used to sink ships by damaging the hull during naval wars. Often times these projectiles can also be heated or covered with flammable preparations to set vessels of the opponent on fire and blow up ammunition storage areas. These stones are also among the other materials submerge underwater along several shipwrecks in the world where less attention has been put into. In the Philippines for example, most maritime and underwater archaeological studies in the country has been mainly focused on valuable cargoes such as porcelain materials, other ceramics and pottery, jewels and other high valued artifacts such as gold and silver. This paper presents the initial assessment results of the stone shot collections from the Philippines.
Over 200 stone shots were recovered from the Thitu Reef, Southwestern Philippines during an archaeological exploration in May 30 to June 25, 1996. And about sixty-three (63%) of the total number of cannonballs weighed 1.2 pounds. to 4.2 pounds that could probably fit to a 1-pdr or 4-pdr guns. While the other 33 % falls over 4.2 pounds to 28.2 pounds at the maximum. Based on the few cracked samples from the site, the stones appeared to be coarse to medium grained igneous rock probably of granitoids type. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis further showed Silica (Si) as the dominant components along with Aluminum (Al), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca) and Iron (Fe) could further signifies the types of stone materials used.
Paleoethnobotany and Resistance: Cultural Persistence in Spanish Colonial Bicol, Philippines
Robin Meyer-Lorey
UCLA
rsmeyerlorey@yahoo.com
Paleoethnobotanical evidence collected in the Bicol Archaeological Project 2018 field season suggests maintenance of local traditions during the Spanish colonial era. These traditions include use of hardwood resources and medicinal plants, which intensified over time from pre-Spanish to Spanish colonial times. Paleoethnobotanical evidence for cultural persistence and resistance can be understood more clearly if Bicolano Catholic practice is used as a local framework for how resistance was carried out in this region. Bicolano culture changed rapidly during the Spanish colonial period, most notably through rapid conversion to Catholicism. While Catholic conversion was a tool of conquest and colonization, many aspects of pre-Spanish tradition have been maintained in Bicolano Catholic practice even to the modern day. This paper argues that this kind of cultural persistence constitutes successful resistance to colonial power. Furthermore, whether conscious or unconscious, resistance through cultural persistence was present in many other aspects of Bicolano culture alongside Catholic practice, as evidenced by the paleoethnobotanical material discussed in this paper.
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