Chao Chin-yung
Reconsidering Megalithic Cultures in Taiwan and Insular Southeast Asia
ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the discovery of and debates over prehistoric megaliths in the eastern Taiwan. Paradigmatic shifts in the past few decades suggest that it is imperative to de-concept the notion that regards all megalithic stones as one cohesive phenomenon. As evidence stands presently, megaliths of various categories clearly did not evolve hand-in-hand from place to place. I argue that, whereas not to devalue, megaliths are better regarded as a long-lasting material tradition instead of an archaeological concept equivalent to culture or phase. Further, diffusionist suggestions that claim migration routes, either northbound or the other way around, should be de-concepted as well. The two basic ideas about Megalithic Cultures in Insular Southeast Asia just do not work in tandem.
To fully explore the nature of megaliths, a holistic settlement archaeology clearly denotes a pressing approach.
To fully explore the nature of megaliths, a holistic settlement archaeology clearly denotes a pressing approach.