A New Chrono-Cultural Approach to the Iron Age in Myanmar

Abstract

Abstract In Myanmar, the Bronze and Iron ages are known mostly as a result of partial excavations of groups of graves, geographically limited to two regions in Upper Burma, the Chindwin and the Samon valleys. No settlement site has been fully studied, and a large part of the archaeological potential of the country remains unexplored. The chronological framework advanced in this chapter, therefore, is principally based on associations of grave goods within burials and of intersite comparisons, supported by rare absolute dates. Pottery, Jewelry made of stone beads and glass, various bronze articles and iron tools and weapons, inform us about origins of raw materials, technological knowledge and know-how and about influences and exchanges between different burmese communities and all over South-East Asia.