Institute for Southeast Asian Archaeology - ISEAA

Michelle Langley published "The Bow‑and‑Arrow along the Southern Arc and Through to Oceania: Earliest Appearances, Archaeological Challenges, and Future Opportunities" in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory https://doi.org/10.1007/s10816-026-09794-0 . This paper reviews the earliest archaeological evidence for the use of the bow-and-arrow across the southern arc from India through Island Southeast Asia, Australasia, and finally, out across Oceania (see map). The paper reviews mainland and island SEA evidence pages 7 to 18. Where durable components of arrows are missing from the archaeological record, the rich ethnohistoric record is examined for information concerning its presence or absence. By bringing these data together across such a broad spatial region for the first time, this paper not only provides a ‘big picture’ view of its use across the southern arc, but identifies challenges for furthering our knowledge of when, where, and how it was made and used by various peoples.

Guibert et al. published "Early Palaeolithic cobble-based technologies from the Mekong fluvial terraces: new data and technological insights from eastern Cambodia" in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2026.105875 . This article presents new data from lithic assemblages discovered along a section of the Mekong River between Stung Treng and Kratié, combined with a technological reevaluation of earlier collections. The study is based on 126 original lithic artefacts from 12 localities, with a focus on the most representative assemblages (Thalaborivat 1 and 2, O Preah and Sré Sbau) integrated within their geomorphological framework. A combined techno-productional and techno-structural analysis highlights reduction strategies based on the flexible exploitation of cobbles through shaping and flaking (see image). These technical characteristics fall within the range of behavioural variability attributed to the Early Palaeolithic in the region. The results confirm the archaeological validity of earlier discoveries, reveal a significant but still underexplored artefactual potential for Palaeolithic archaeology, and emphasise the importance of the Mekong as a major corridor of human occupation during the Middle Pleistocene in Indochina peninsula.

Heng et al. publilshed "Integrating the Angkorian Empire: political–ritual economies and ceramic provenance in the Eastern Mekong" in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology. This link provides 50 days free access https://authors.elsevier.com/c/1nFM3-JVc8S2r . Here is the DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaa.2026.101777 . This article uses stoneware to shed light on regional interconnections during the Angkorian period, complementing epigraphic and architectural evidence. The study uses Neutron Activation Analysis to match 184 provincial sherds from Thala Borivat (Stung Treng) and Sambor (Kratie) to established kiln-reference groups, using provenance as an archaeological proxy for connectivity, corridor use, and uneven provincial access. Results show contrasting distributions: Sambor is dominated by gray and white wares from Angkor and Cheung Ek, consistent with downstream Mekong corridors, whereas Thala Borivat shows stronger inputs from Angkor and northeast Thailand, consistent with overland-to-river transshipment. These corridor-structured contrasts point to state-assisted distribution through multiple routes of imperial infrastructures, alongside locally mediated consumption and differentiation in wealth and ritual/political status among regional centers. Image shows vessel form diversity in Angkorian stoneware ceramics.

Huang et al published "Archaeological new evidence on the construction history and layout evolution of Ta Keo temple in Angkor" in Asian Archaeology https://doi.org/10.1007/s41826-025-00118-x . They note that from the 9th to the 15th centuries AD, numerous temples, large and small, were densely distributed in Angkor, reflecting the profound influence of religious culture on ancient Cambodia. Ta Keo temple (see image) is one of the most majestic and distinctive monuments in Angkor, founded at the end of the 10th century AD. It is a temple-mountain built by kings, featuring a pyramidal structure that embodies the significant combination of royal and divine power. This study synthesizes the results of archaeological excavations conducted at Ta Keo temple between 2011 and 2015, revealing the stratigraphy and buried remains of different periods around the temple. Based on this and epigraphic research, a comprehensive analysis of Ta Keo temple’s construction history is conducted, dividing it into three phases. Furthermore, the excavation results indicate that the overall layout of Ta Keo temple underwent significant changes, providing new evidence for exploring the developmental evolution of Angkor temple layouts.

Bellina and Muyard have an in-press article "Indigenous Archaeology in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Specificities and Colonial Legacies" in Asian Perspectives https://muse.jhu.edu/article/991203/summary . This essay is an introduction to a forthcoming special issue that explores the origins, theoretical evolution, and methodological traits of Indigenous archaeology, emphasizing its focus on empowerment, repatriation, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems. In Asia and the Pacific, Indigenous archaeology navigates complex legacies of Western, Asian, and internal colonization, as well as state-centric heritage management practices that often exclude Indigenous voices. The case studies from India, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, and New Caledonia in this issue of Asian Perspectives collectively illustrate both the progress that has occurred over the past several decades, as well as persistent challenges including legal constraints, institutional resistance, and the folklorization of Indigenous cultures. Examples of successful collaborative archaeological programs highlight the benefits of long-term cooperation, decentralized governance, and the integration of oral histories and local ontologies into archaeological interpretation. In this introductory essay, the authors argue for stronger legal recognition of Indigenous rights, decentralized heritage management, and educational reforms in order to foster more equitable partnerships among Indigenous communities, researchers, and governments. Indigenous archaeology in the region stands at a critical juncture, offering a pathway to more inclusive, politically engaged, and scientifically enriched understandings of the past — provided structural barriers are addressed through sustained cooperation among all interested parties.This essay explores the origins, theoretical evolution, and methodological traits of Indigenous archaeology, emphasizing its focus on empowerment, repatriation, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Beaumont et al. published "The emergence of pottery-using communities in Lautem District, Timor Leste: Ceramics assemblages from Lene Hara and Telupunu" in Archaeological Research in Asia https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ara.2026.100723 . They note that The initial use of pottery in Island Southeast Asia is a much-debated topic related in part to its uneven temporal and spatial distribution throughout the region. In eastern Indonesia and Timor-Leste the features of first pottery assemblages show generic similarities but scant unifying features over time and space. The authors provide pottery case studies from the cave sites of Lene Hara and Telupunu in Timor-Leste. They demonstrate the variability that attends the initial use of pottery in this region. The case studies provide detail on the chronology, characteristics and petrographic analysis of the pottery. The Lene Hara assemblage dates to around 3400 BP and features a significant proportion of redslipped ware. In contrast, the pottery from Telupunu was deposited largely after 2000 years ago and shows a relatively high number of decorative techniques and designs. They discuss a range of factors that may account for the differences in pottery uptake and style.

Villaluz et al. published "A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Philippine Human Bioarchaeology" in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, https://doi.org/10.1002/oa.70125 . This paper presents a comprehensive review of human bioarchaeology in the Philippines, tracing the field from its colonial-era beginnings to recent developments. They examine how sociopolitical histories—particularly Spanish and American colonial rule—shaped early knowledge production practices and interpretations of archaeological human remains data. Through a qualitative metasynthesis of published and unpublished literature, they identify prevailing research themes across historical periods, including colonial-era racial typologies, postwar material culture focus, and contemporary applications of scientific methods. While methodological advances and growing student interest have expanded the field, challenges remain, including limited publication of local research and the lack of long-term mentorship. They highlight the potential of Philippine bioarchaeology to contribute to key regional debates in the Asia-Pacific, particularly on human movement and dispersals, origins and antiquity of diseases, colonial health impacts, and ethical data sovereignty, while calling for the development of best practices that center community engagement and local perspectives.

Hoppál et al. published "Cross-Cultural Connections: Roman Material Reception and Adaptation in South and Southeast Asia" in Cambridge Archaeological Journal https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959774326100560 . This study explores the reception and adaptation of Roman and Roman-inspired materials in South Asia and Southeast Asia during the early historic period. Drawing on a database of over 300 objects, it compares materials such as glass vessels, beads, engraved gems, and coin adaptations. While South Asia shows greater diversity and quantity of Roman imports, Southeast Asia demonstrates selective appropriation and creative transformation, often filtered through South Asia, particularly peninsular India. Southeast Asia favoured high-quality imports and innovative hybrid adaptations blending Mediterranean and Indic elements. In contrast, South Asian adaptations tended either to evoke Roman originals more closely using easily accessible raw materials such as in the case of terracotta bullae, or, when made from more valuable raw materials, often to diverge more substantially from the Roman prototypes. The study highlights regional differences in integrating Roman materials, revealing unique cultural priorities and engagement with global trade networks. Image shows Mediterranean and inspired engraved objects from Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Skopal et al. published "The death jar: a new mortuary tradition at the Plain of Jars, Lao PDR" in Antiquity https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2026.10352 . Regarding ongoing research at Plain of Jar sites, the authors report on the excavation of the exceptionally large Jar 1 at Site 75, which contains a collective mortuary assemblage of secondary interments. The disarticulated remains of at least 37 individuals hint at the jars’ function within a complex funerary sequence. Direct radiocarbon dating indicate a prolonged period of mortuary activity c. cal AD 890–1160, a time of increasing regional interaction and mobility in Southeast Asia.

The death jar: a new mortuary tradition at the Plain of Jars, Lao PDR | Antiquity | Cambridge Core The death jar: a new mortuary tradition at the Plain of Jars, Lao PDR

Dussubieux et al published "Southern Sumatra late prehistoric and early historical maritime exchange: First elemental analysis data from glass beads" in the Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology https://doi.org/10.1080/15564894.2026.2640237 . This paper presents the first comprehensive study of glass beads from Sumatra via laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to determine the elemental compositions of the beads. The study encompasses a wide range of sites from upland and lowland areas and various temporal periods, extending from prehistoric to early historic times in Southern Sumatra, Jambi, and South Sumatra Province. The study provides not only improved chronologies, but also data on upland–lowland exchanges that definitively show the upland megalithic sites are not prehistoric, but rather contemporary with Srivijaya. Furthermore, it provides data on the pre-Srivijayan port-settlements and the regional networks in which they were involved, thanks to the presence of certain types of glass, including Mediterranean glass.