Northern Kentucky University
Examining the Prehistoric Record: Spatial Analysis of Small Finds at Non Mak La, Thailand
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Judy Voelker
Abstract
The site of Non Mak La (excavated in 1994) is located in central Thailand and several hectares in size. Occupation at the site spans from the late third to the end of the first millennium BC. Preliminary stratigraphic and chronological analyses of the excavation at Non Mak La suggest two phases of occupation at the site. Analysis of the small finds dataset provides support for multiple on-site craft activities including stone bracelet and adze production as well as pottery manufacture. Several bracelet cores and adze performs were recovered in NML-Unit 5 while numerous ceramic anvils were located within NML-Unit 4 in what may be a pottery production workshop. By the late first millennium BC, evidence of iron smelting and artifacts associated with its production were recovered in NML-Unit 1 and NML Unit 2. Final analysis of small finds may determine the scale of these various craft activities and their association, if any, to metal production. Post excavation analysis of the small finds datasets was conducted at the King Narai National Museum in Lopburi, Thailand during the summer of 2008. We measured, described and photographed small finds including anvils, adzes, figurines, and clay pellets. In fall of 2008, we began spatial analysis of the small finds datasets.
Examining the Prehistoric Record: Spatial Analysis of Small Finds at Non Mak La, Thailand
The site of Non Mak La (excavated in 1994) is located in central Thailand and several hectares in size. Occupation at the site spans from the late third to the end of the first millennium BC. Preliminary stratigraphic and chronological analyses of the excavation at Non Mak La suggest two phases of occupation at the site. Analysis of the small finds dataset provides support for multiple on-site craft activities including stone bracelet and adze production as well as pottery manufacture. Several bracelet cores and adze performs were recovered in NML-Unit 5 while numerous ceramic anvils were located within NML-Unit 4 in what may be a pottery production workshop. By the late first millennium BC, evidence of iron smelting and artifacts associated with its production were recovered in NML-Unit 1 and NML Unit 2. Final analysis of small finds may determine the scale of these various craft activities and their association, if any, to metal production. Post excavation analysis of the small finds datasets was conducted at the King Narai National Museum in Lopburi, Thailand during the summer of 2008. We measured, described and photographed small finds including anvils, adzes, figurines, and clay pellets. In fall of 2008, we began spatial analysis of the small finds datasets.