Dong Son drums from Timor-Leste: Prehistoric bronze artefacts in Island Southeast Asia

Nuno Oliveira, Susan O'Connor, Peter Bellwood

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    Prehistoric copper and bronze objects are found throughout Island Southeast Asia, many of which were manufactured in Mainland Southeast Asia and exchanged over vast distances. The contexts of initial metal use and production across this maritime region are poorly known and rarely dated - particularly in the islands east of Wallace's Line. The authors report on two recent finds of bronze Dong Son drums in Timor-Leste, which, with their incised decoration, are examined in the context of elaborately shaped socketed axes depicted in the island's rock art, discussing their role and significance for understanding exchange networks and practices including raiding, headhunting and ceremonial activities.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)163-180
    JournalAntiquity
    Volume93
    Issue number367
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Dong Son drums from Timor-Leste: Prehistoric bronze artefacts in Island Southeast Asia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this