Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP150101164 [ 2015 - 2023 ]

Research Grant

Researchers Dr Dougald O'Reilly; Dr Louise Shewan; Dr Richard Armstrong; A/Prof Samsung Lim; Dr Nigel Chang; Dr Kathryn Domett; Dr Sian Halcrow

Brief description Since their discovery in the 1930s, the mysterious collections of giant stone jars scattered throughout central Laos have remained one of the great prehistoric puzzles of south-east (SE) Asia. It is thought that the jars represent the mortuary remains of an extensive and powerful Iron Age culture. This project seeks to determine the true nature of these sites, which date to a dynamic period of increasing complexity in SE Asia (c.500BCE-500CE). The project entails extensive reconnaissance, precision mapping, archaeological excavation and analysis of associated burial material. Using a suite of cutting-edge archaeological technologies, it is expected to have far-reaching benefits for archaeology, science, Laos and World Heritage.

Funding Amount $425,100

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects