The cultural development in the Lamsatad basin prior to the 14th century A.D. : a case study of the Ban Krabuang archaeological site, Bua Yai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province and vicinity
Abstract:
The purpose of this research is to study the cultural development of ancient communities in the Lamsatad basin, a tributary of Mun River basin, from first settlement to the 14th centuary AD. The results of the study can be divided into the chronological phases. 1. Prehistoric period (Neolithic age (3,000 3,700 B.P.) The earliest (thus far investigated) community was founded at Ban Non Wat, which is located at the south end of the basin. This is an agricultural community and their mortuary practice is primary burial. 2. Bronze age (2,500 3,000 B.P.) Ban Non Wat continues to be occupied and more communities are established at the south of the basin including Ban Lum Khao and Ban Prasat. These communities are in contact with other sites and their mortuary practice remains predominantly primary burial. 3. Iron age (1,500 2,500 B.P.) Many new communites are founded. In this period the population grew and expanded to other areas of the basin. During this period the first communities were established in the middle and north regions of the Lansatad Basin. These communities cultivated rice, raised domestic cattle, buffalo and pigs. They produced salt. Mortuary practices in the Iron age included both primary burials and secondary burials (jar burials). 4. Historic period 1 Dvaravati period (ca. 7th 10th centuary AD.) In this period the Lansatad Basin communities received Dvaravati culture from central Thailand. Some communities grew into towns or small cities. Many communities believed in Buddhism but still practices secondary burial. 5. Historic period 2 Khmer period (ca. 10th 13th century AD.) In this period local communities were ruled by Khmer Empire kings, through the local regional ruler at Phimai. Communities believed in Buddhism and Hindusm. Mortuary practices changed to cremation with the remains placed in pottery vessels. They still produced salt. Water management was achieved by both moats and reservoirs (Baray)