Mariko Yamagata
Localization of the Kalanay Pottery Complex at Hoa Diem, Tho Chu, and Oc Eo in Vietnam: Examining the Historical Background from the 1st to 3rd Centuries CE
ABSTRACT
The Hoa Diem site is located in central Vietnam. The site has yielded funerary accessory pottery belonging to the Kalanay pottery complex, which is associated with Iron Age jar burials. Although the Kalanay pottery complex was primarily produced in the central Philippines, items of this category were also available beyond the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand. In addition to the artifacts found at Hoa Diem, evidence of the Kalanay pottery complex has also been found at a jar burial on Vietnam’s Tho Chu Island in the Gulf of Thailand and in the settlement layers of Go Tu Tram, which is part of the Oc Eo complex in the Mekong Delta. The artifacts excavated at these sites exhibit unique characteristics reflecting localization of the Kalanay pottery complex.
This study reviewed evidence of the Kalanay pottery complex found at Hoa Diem, Tho Chu, and Oc Eo. Significance of the localization was then discerned by reviewing the associated historical background from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Early polities emerged and developed around the South China Sea at that time. These include Funan and Linyi. Bio-anthropological analysis has revealed that human skeletal remains found at Hoa Diem are closely associated with modern Southeast Asian islander groups. This study therefore examined the maritime network involving those who produced Kalanay pottery complex vessels by focusing on their historical roles.
This study reviewed evidence of the Kalanay pottery complex found at Hoa Diem, Tho Chu, and Oc Eo. Significance of the localization was then discerned by reviewing the associated historical background from the 1st to 3rd centuries CE. Early polities emerged and developed around the South China Sea at that time. These include Funan and Linyi. Bio-anthropological analysis has revealed that human skeletal remains found at Hoa Diem are closely associated with modern Southeast Asian islander groups. This study therefore examined the maritime network involving those who produced Kalanay pottery complex vessels by focusing on their historical roles.