Megalithic Sites Research Articles

Uncovering Ancient Mysteries: The Megalithic Cist-Burials of Enadimangalam

Megalithism is the practice of huge stones associated with burial practices. An interdisciplinary approach is needed in collaboration with History and Archaeology to study Megaliths. This article is a brief report of the exploration conducted at Enadimangalam Grama Panchayath in Adoor Taluk, Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, during the field season 2018. The research's primary objective was to systematically explore the unreported megalithic sites in Enadimangalam and report them. The researcher discovered nine sites in the systematic ward-to-ward survey, and explorations carried out at Enadimangalam Grama Panchayath in 2018. These sites were reported to the authorities. This article elaborates on a detailed description of the reported sites. This study shows that the Enadimangalam area has a predominant Megalithic background and is assumed to be one of the largest sites so far discovered. It is observed that the area is very vast and bounded by hills and valleys that comprise more than a thousand acres of land. This indicates that the Megalithic monuments are widely distributed in this area and shows the enormity of the settlement.

Web-Based Implementation of Information Visualization of Megalithic Cultural Heritage

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes of developing a megalithic culture web application in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, as an information visualization platform for digital heritage documentation of megalithic culture. The application's reliability is evaluated by a pilot study, with an emphasis on the elements of efficiency, ease of learning, ease of use, and user satisfaction. Method: Pilot testing in this study uses a questionnaire-based approach to collect information involving 33 respondents from around the Malay Nature and Civilization Library, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The collected data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 28. Results and Discussion: The study's findings indicate that the produced web application has excellent and effective values with a high level of consistency. This means that it can be used as a digital documentation medium to show the community what cultural heritage survives in this state today in order to preserve it. It is hoped that the web application produced will assist in transmitting and sharing knowledge on megalithic culture in Negeri Sembilan to the general public, as part of efforts to dignify cultural heritage remains. Research Implications: This study adds to the creation of digital documents based on web applications that can be simply and rapidly accessed by all levels of global society. The consequences of these research findings can serve as the foundation for formulating policies to preserve the value of megalithic cultural remnants, promote archeotourism development activities, and assist local community development and economic empowerment. Originality/Value: This work presents original discoveries on information exploration and mapping existing megalithic sites to a digital platform in an effort to improve information exchange and digital preservation, which are currently below optimal levels. This study also adds to the growth of literature by focusing on one research information source connected to megalithic culture in Negeri Sembilan rather than searching for information through multiple spread information sources. Furthermore, this endeavor represents an innovation in information sharing through the use of GIS technology, which will undoubtedly ensure that records for megalithic site discovery are always kept and accessible to future users and scholars. Through the notion of digital preservation of cultural heritage, this is one endeavor to elevate the remnants of the megalithic cultural heritage as one of the unique heritages not only in Malaysia but also worldwide.

SfM Photogrammetry for Cost-Effective 3D Documentation and Rock Art Analysis of the Dombate Dolmen (Spain) and the Megalithic Sites of Chã dos Cabanos and Chã da Escusalha (Portugal)

SfM (structure from motion) photogrammetry is a technique developed in the field of computer vision that enables the generation of three-dimensional (3D) models from a set of overlapping images captured from disparate angles. The application of this technique in the field of cultural heritage, particularly in the context of megalithic monuments, is inherently challenging due to the spatial constraints of these environments and the usual limitations posed by their architectural design, which often results in poor lighting conditions. This article presents an accurate and cost-efficient methodology for the study and documentation of rock art, which has been applied to three megalithic monuments in the Iberian Peninsula: one in Spain and two in Portugal. The three working environments are complex, but the combination of techniques used and improvements such as rendering for the enhancement of engravings and the creation of 3D stop-motion models made it possible to integrate all the information in 3D formats that allow its universal dissemination. This not only preserves the heritage in graphic form but also makes it accessible to the public, both for study and for virtual visits.

Geoarchaeology, preliminary study of relationship analysis between geological conditions and the Megalithic sites in the candidate of Ternate Geopark, North Maluku

Abstract Geopark is a concept of sustainable development with three main components: geological diversity, cultural diversity, and biodiversity, with the ultimate goal of protecting the Earth’s diversity, environmental preservation, and broader earth science education. Geological and cultural diversity in a geopark concept does not stand alone, but there is a relationship. Ternate Island is a volcanic island with Gamalama Mts as a Quaternary Volcano. The area around the volcano is comfortable because there is sufficient water despite the eruption disaster. Megalithic artefacts such as menhirs and pseudo dolmens are cultural products closely tied to the significant stone tradition. Megalithic remains on Ternate Island are represented by the presence of Jere, a local term to refer to the sacred places usually represented by menhirs and whole boulders in 56 locations. The regent government plans to develop it as an island geopark. Before being proposed, a study of geological, biological, and cultural diversity must be carried out to propose establishing a geoheritage and preparing a Geopark proposal document. This initial research uses the overlay method to identify geological conditions, determine the distribution of megalithic artefacts, and analyze their relationships.

Redesign of Primordial Museum and Archaeological Research Center in Cipari Archaeological Site Area, Kuningan Regency with Biophilic Architecture Approach

Indonesia is a paradise for archaeological research, proven by the many kinds of Pleistocene era artifact findings scattered throughout the country, including in Kuningan Regency. One of them is the finding of a megalithic site in Cipari Village, which is the only megalithic heritage archaeological site given more attention by the Kuningan Regency municipal government, with the establishment of the Cipari Archaeological Park Museum in 1976. Ironically, the archaeological museum building at Cipari Site is still relatively simple, and has not been able to follow the guidelines for establishing a museum. The existing building, which has an area of 80m², only contains temporary exhibition rooms, toilets and management rooms which are deemed unable to accommodate groups of tourists who often come from various educational institutions. So, a redesign is needed that is able to house a collection of artifacts as well as an archaeological research center to facilitate archaeologists and scientists, in researching artifacts that have been found in Kuningan and its surroundings. The primordial museum and archaeological research center is a building that stores and researches natural objects of ancient relics found in nature, so it is good if this building can be redesigned by considering its relationship with nature. Therefore, the biophilic architecture approach is deemed appropriate in the redesign of the museum building along with the archaeological research center or in other languages, the Primordial Museum and Archaeological Research Center in the Cipari Archaeology Site Area, Kuningan Regency. Data is also needed which includes primary and secondary data needs and then analyzed with five aspects of the approach, including functional, contextual, technical, performance and architectural aspects. The results will produce design recommendations for the Primordial Museum and Archaeological Research Center in the Cipari Antiquities Area, Kuningan Regency, West Java.

Extraordinary Bodies, Invisible Worlds

Numerous scholars have signalled that neo-pagan practitioners use their body and their senses to interact with the divine and elaborate a spiritual experience. However, the learning process followed to achieve and produce a sensing body capable of communicating with summoned entities has not been properly assessed, until very recently. For over a decade, I have conducted ethnographic research on neo-pagan ritual practices held at European megalithic sites to understand how practitioners learn to co-construct their somatic experiences culturally. Collected data allowed me to develop a model I called somatic pedagogy, which is a progressive sensory learning process applied by ritual specialists organizing practices. In this review article, I present a synthesis of published material where I have developed this model extensively. Specifically, I will go through the elements that permit this kind of somatic education to be implemented within analysed practices: the specificities of neo-pagan ontologies about the human body and world, the potential of neo-pagan rituals to function as learning sites, and the main stages of this progressive bodily education

Beyond Death: Funeral Rituals and Megalithic Traditions Among the Bhil Tribes of India.

The earliest traces of funeral rituals in the Indian Subcontinent date back to the Mesolithic period. Data from various parts of the country clearly indicate that this tradition gained popularity during the Neolithic and Iron Age periods in India. Besides, during the Iron-age period we found evidence of megalithic tradition, and the megalithic sites found in the Indian subcontinent reveal an elaborate process of death rituals. This present study focuses on first-hand data obtained from the south-eastern part of Rajasthan, India. The data unveils many hidden aspects of funeral rituals and megalithic traditions related to the Bhils community. To gain a better understanding of death rituals, beliefs about afterlife, and the erection of memorial pillars on behalf of the deceased, the author compares the death rituals of the Bhils with those of the Munda communities in central eastern parts of India.

The Heritage of The Megalithic Site of Sekala Brak and Its Implications in Learning Local History for Primary Schools

The research aims to 1) describe in depth the megalithic relics of Sekala Brak sites; and 2) to describe the design of local history learning materials based on megaliths relic of Sekala Brak. This research method is descriptive qualitative. Techniques used in data collection are techniques of observation, documentation, and literature study. Analysis of the data presented descriptively, that is to articulate and describe the findings of the data according to the problems studied. The results showed that: 1) The archeological relic found in the megalithic sites of West Lampung consisting of Situs Batu Brak, Batu Jagur, Megalitik Telaga Mukmin, Batu Bertulis (Prasasti Hujung Langit), Batu Tameng, Batu Jaya, Batu Bertulis Belalau, Batu Spadu/Batu Putri, Batu Nakka/Batu Tegak, dan Situs Batu Raja; 2) Material Design Local History Lampung implemented in Social Studies Learning of Elementary School include: a) Historic Sites, b) Artifacts and heritage, c) Local historical events of prehistoric times, and d) local historical events of the archipelago era.

Gen Z's Interest in Adventure Tourism Activities in Pine Forests

Tourism is one sector that has the potential to support economic activities. Indonesia has many interesting tourist destinations, both natural and man-made tourism, many villages that have developed into tourist villages, including Karyamukti Village with the superior tourist attraction Gunung Padang Site. Apart from the Padang Mountain Megalithic Site, the Karyamukti Tourism Village also has several tourist attractions, one of which is the pine forest area tourist attraction. The pine forest located in Karyamukti Village functions as a camping ground. The aim of this research is to determine the tourist interest of young people, especially Gen Z, towards tourism in pine forests, and also to find out what types of tourism activities are suitable to be implemented in pine forest tourism areas, especially adventure tourism activities. The research method used is a quantitative method, with the aim of finding out the percentage of Gen Z's interest in adventure tourism activities and the type of tourism activities desired. The research results show that the majority of Gen Z wants camping, glamping and outbound as adventure tourism activities in pine forests.

Two examples of anthropic manipulation and postmortem processing of human remains at megalithic sites in inland Iberia: La Cabaña and Los Zumacales (Spanish northern sub‐plateau)

AbstractSeveral recent studies have demonstrated the complexity of funerary practices in megalithic burials. Mortuary taphonomy has proposed models to explain these practices, in which different actions, such as the generation of primary and secondary deposits, the selection and manipulation of bone remains, the extraction of materials from the grave, and so forth, can be identified. However, in the northern sub‐plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, the interpretation of funerary gestures related to megalithic tombs has not been systematically studied from the perspective of taphonomy. In this paper, we study two sites, Los Zumacales and La Lora, dated to the fourth millennium B.C. The analysis considers all the burial practices linked with megalithic tombs, with a focus on the social and natural processes involved in the formation of these complex mortuary deposits. In both examples, direct evidence of perimortem manipulation of human remains is documented by the presence of fresh fractures and cut marks in different long bones. As suggested in the discussion, this evidence may be related to secondary reduction practices following the initial deposition of the bodies.

RETRACTED: Geo‐archaeological prospecting of Gunung Padang buried prehistoric pyramid in West Java, Indonesia

AbstractThe multidisciplinary study of Gunung Padang has revealed compelling evidence of a complex and sophisticated megalithic site. Correlations between rock stratifications observed through surface exposures, trenching and core logs, combined with GPR facies, ERT layers, and seismic tomograms, demonstrate the presence of multi‐layer constructions spanning approximately 20–30 m. Notably, a high‐resistive anomaly in electric resistivity tomography aligns with a low‐velocity anomaly detected in seismic tomography, indicating the existence of hidden cavities or chambers within the site. Additionally, drilling operations revealed significant water loss, further supporting the presence of underground spaces. Radiocarbon dating of organic soils from the structures uncovered multiple construction stages dating back thousands of years BCE, with the initial phase dating to the Palaeolithic era. These findings offer valuable insights into the construction history of Gunung Padang, shedding light on the engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations during the Palaeolithic era.

Situs Megalitik Tanjung Telang, Kabupaten Lahat: Kajian Bentuk Dan Fungsi.

Abstract
 This article is entitled Megalithic site Tanjung Telang, Lahat Regency: Study of Form and Function. This article aims to examine the from and function at the Tanjung Telang megalithic site, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra Province. This article uses the historical research method (historical method). This article uses the following stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation and historiography. The results of the research in this article say that in Lahat Regency there are many thousands of megalithic sites with various unique shapes and different sizes and have a certain meaning for each site found. Lahat Regency has a hilly area and a very fertile area, namely Bukit Selero which was trusted by the people in the past as a reminder that there is still a God above humans so humans must remain humble. Tanjung Telang Village, West Merapi District, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, Found megalithic cultural relics inthe form of the Tanjung Telang Human Statue, Megalithic Flat Stone and Menhirs. The heritage site in the form of megalithic culture is located with in the environment of West Merapi 2 Junior High School, in the highlands (hills), shrubs, and is located in the community’s coffe garden.

Natural aspect of the megalithic cultural heritage area of the Bada Valley (Central Sulawesi): Vegetation composition and biodiversity analyses

The Bada Valley is one of the Lore Lindu Megalithic Cultural Heritage areas, which is one of the first four biosphere reserves in Indonesia. The Bada Valley area offers cultural attractions that combine with nature in the form of cultural landscapes such as handicrafts from bark, hilly landscapes that offer panoramic beauty, and preserve dozens of megalithic sites from prehistoric times as well as tourist cruising areas. The area is surrounded by densely forested mountains and forms one of the most important water catchment areas for the Watershed. However, there is a lack of studies on the vascular flora. No data on plant diversity has been reported, including plant inventory, plant identification, vegetation composition, and biodiversity analyses (diversity index, evenness index, and plant species richness index). The study aimed to determine the diversity index, evenness index, and plant species richness index in the Bada Valley cultural area, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. This study used an exploring technique with purposive sampling. Additional information was recorded in the form of the collector’s name, collection number, collection date, location, and habitus, which were recorded in the observation sheet that had been prepared. Identification of plants was carried out using the procedure for observing plant morphological characters, which included special features in each class and family or genus down to the species level. The results of the study found the vegetation composition for herbaceous strata (555 individuals), trees (91 individuals), shrubs (64 individuals), and vines (57 individuals). The diversity index value of each stratum is different for trees (H’ = 1.20), herbs (H’ = 1.92), shrubs (H’ = 1.32), and vines (H’ = 0.62). The diversity of plants in the Bada Valley in the tree, herb, and shrub strata was moderate (1.0 < H’ < 3.0), and the encroaching plant stratum had low diversity (H’ < 1.0). The evenness index at the level of shrubs, vines, herbs, and trees has values of 0.95, 0.90, 0.83, 0.61, respectively. The species richness index of plants in the Bada Valley is in a low category (R < 3.5), with R values for herbaceous plants (1.42), trees (1.33), shrubs (0.72), and vines (0.24). Information on plant biodiversity is used as a database for ecotourism development in the Bada Valley Cultural Heritage area. Research data can be used to support the local government in regulating the utilization of the Bada Valley Cultural Heritage area.

HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS OF MEGALITHIC STONES IN GEDEO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA OBSERVATIONS FROM TUTU FELA AND CHELBA TUTUTI SITES

Gedeo is the area where Africa’s largest megalithic stone concentration is found. This research aims to assess the heritage management problems of megalithic sites in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia, with a focus on the Tutu Fella and Chelba Tututi sites. Methodologically, the study employed primary and secondary sources, which were collected through a literature review, field work, and interviews with local informants. The study shows that the megalithic stones have historical, archaeological, symbolical, artistic and commemorative significances which enable the sites to be major source of tourism development in the area. However, these multifaceted collective past memories are subjected to mismanagement activities that have a negative impact on the preservation of the megalithic stones. These problems are associated with the lack of awareness among the local community about the values and the need for the management of the megalithic stones, the expansion of Christianity and the subsequent socio-cultural changes in the area, the mismanagement of the site’s tourism activity, which is not supported by regular and legal means of collection of tourist entrance fees, the weakness of the local culture and tourism offices to employ protection activities for the sites, and the absence of continuous recording and promotion works on these features. The study also recommends the need for creating public platforms to increase the local community’s awareness of the importance of the sites, continuous recording and promotion, the use of legal frameworks to support heritage management and tourism development in the sites, and recognition of the sites as national heritage.

THE PERSPECTIVE OF LANGUAGE CULTURE IN THE DOMINATION OF THE THEME OF THE NATIONAL SONG "BAGIMU NEGERI"

Gedeo is the area where Africa’s largest megalithic stone concentration is found. This research aims to assess the heritage management problems of megalithic sites in Gedeo Zone, Ethiopia, with a focus on the Tutu Fella and Chelba Tututi sites. Methodologically, the study employed primary and secondary sources, which were collected through a literature review, field work, and interviews with local informants. The study shows that the megalithic stones have historical, archaeological, symbolical, artistic and commemorative significances which enable the sites to be major source of tourism development in the area. However, these multifaceted collective past memories are subjected to mismanagement activities that have a negative impact on the preservation of the megalithic stones. These problems are associated with the lack of awareness among the local community about the values and the need for the management of the megalithic stones, the expansion of Christianity and the subsequent socio-cultural changes in the area, the mismanagement of the site’s tourism activity, which is not supported by regular and legal means of collection of tourist entrance fees, the weakness of the local culture and tourism offices to employ protection activities for the sites, and the absence of continuous recording and promotion works on these features. The study also recommends the need for creating public platforms to increase the local community’s awareness of the importance of the sites, continuous recording and promotion, the use of legal frameworks to support heritage management and tourism development in the sites, and recognition of the sites as national heritage.

MOUNT PADANG CIANJUR WEST JAVA AS A TOURISM

Mount Padang is one of the mountains in Cianjur, West Java. The purpose of this research is to get to know Mount Padang from the point of view of various aspects. This type of research is qualitative research using library research methods. The type of data used is secondary data which is in the form of journals from previous research. The result of this research is that the tours offered at the Gunung Padang Megalithic Site are the beauty of the terraced punden building composed of volcanic rock columns. The strategy for developing the Gunung Padang cultural heritage site is by: utilizing vacant land around the site area; using promotional media; socialization regarding the preservation of cultural heritage objects; establishing good coordination with management parties regarding aspects of the development of the Gunung Padang cultural heritage site as a tourist destination; regular maintenance of facilities.

Sex bias in Neolithic megalithic burials

AbstractObjectivesA statistical study comparing osteological and ancient DNA determinations of sex was conducted in order to investigate whether there are sex biases in United Kingdom and Irish Neolithic megalithic burials.Materials and MethodsGenetic and osteological information from human individuals from 32 megalithic sites in the UK and Ireland dating from 4000 to 2500 cal. BCE was collected and statistically analyzed to test whether there is a true over‐representation of males at these sites. The published dataset from the study by Sánchez‐Quinto et al. in 2019 was initially analyzed before being refined and included in a larger dataset. Osteological analysis of sex bias was limited to adults with available sex estimations, and genetic analysis limited to published dataResultsTwo sites consistently returned significant p‐values suggesting a potential over‐representation in osteological males at one site (Knowe of Midhowe, Orkney) and genetic males in the other (Primrose Grange, Ireland). Cumulative statistical analyses point towards a male bias in the representation of sexes in Neolithic megalithic burials, but these results do not reflect the site‐by‐site and regional variation found in this study.DiscussionThe interpretation of sex bias, that is, the over‐representation of one sex over another ‐ depends on other socio‐cultural variables (e.g., kinship) and the emphasis placed on statistical significance. The trend towards males being over‐represented in Neolithic megalithic burials is not as clear as previously thought, and requires further testing and data collection to uncover.

Threat of landslides hazard at the core zone of Cultural Conservation Strategic Area of Gunung Padang megalithic site, in Cianjur District

The megalithic site of Gunung Padang is an area prone to landslides. Based on the Regulation of Cianjur District No. 17 of 2012, this site area is designated as a Cultural Conservation Strategic Area. This study aims to analyze the potential for landslide hazards in the Gunung Padang Megalithic Site area. The research method is quantitative. Primary data was collected through observation and interview experts; secondary data was collected through literature studies and agency surveys. The analytical method used is quantitative through analysis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with overlay and weighting techniques. The results showed three landslide susceptibility classifications: very high, medium, and very low. A very high level of landslide hazard is found in the area around the site, which is currently exposed, amounting to 9.03% of the core zone of the Cultural Conservation Strategic Area.Situs megalitikum Gunung Padang merupakan kawasan rawan longsor. Berdasarkan Peraturan Bupati Cianjur No. 17 Tahun 2012, kawasan situs ini ditetapkan sebagai Kawasan Strategis Cagar Budaya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis potensi bahaya longsor di kawasan Situs Megalitikum Gunung Padang. Metode penelitian adalah kuantitatif. Data primer dikumpulkan melalui observasi dan wawancara ahli, data sekunder dikumpulkan melalui studi literatur dan survei keagenan. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif melalui analisis Sistem Informasi Geografis (SIG), dengan teknik overlay dan pembobotan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tiga klasifikasi kerawanan longsor yaitu sangat tinggi, sedang dan sangat sangat rendah. Tingkat kerawanan longsor yang sangat tinggi terdapat di wilayah sekitar tapak yang saat ini terpapar, yaitu sebesar 9,03% dari zona inti kawasan strategis cagar budaya.

The Function and Meaning of Megalithic Cultural Heritage in Some Sites in Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi

The Bantaeng megalithic site houses megalithic cultural relics, such as terraces (teras berundak), dakon, lumpang batu, menhir, dolmen, stone altars, circular stone (batu temu gelang), tombs, and fences, including fragments of pottery and foreign ceramics on the surface of the site. In addition, residents on the site also preserves and performs traditional megalithic rituals. This study aims to find out the functions and meanings of these megalithic cultural relics using surveys, inventory studies, and interviews to the local community. The results indicate that the megalithic culture functions both as a sacred medium of ritual, and a secular instrument of daily life. Furthermore, some of the elements of megalithic culture have symbolic meaning which are related to social status, cosmic symbols, agriculture, astrology, and religious symbols.

Megalithic monuments and ancestral sites: An ethnoarchaeological investigation of continuity of tradition among Austroasiatic communities of Jharkhand

Over the years, several megalithic sites have been reported from different regions of Jharkhand. The initial investigations were conducted during the second half of the 19th century and the early phase of the 20th century by colonial ethnographers and anthropologists. An excavation was conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India in the year 1965-66 at the site of Khuntitoli, where evidence of cremated bones of multiple individuals was found separately under a stone slab, indicating evidence of a secondary family burial. Recent investigations are carried out by the members of INTACH, Hazaribagh. The author has recently conducted an ethnoarchaeological study as part of the doctoral research, studying the continuing tradition and culture of raising megalithic monuments, comparing them with the archaeological parallels in light of evidence found through the survey of ancient sites and ethnographic analogy. This paper briefs the research of the present tradition of Austroasiatic communities; Mundas, Bhumij, and Hos in light of present monuments and ancestral sites, which indicate the distribution of megaliths on their possible route of the movement in Chotanagpur plateau throughout the past and existence of old and recent burial monuments over different ancestral sites.