The Kettledrums of Insular Southeast Asia. Protohistoric Distribution and Localization

This thesis deals with two important processes that took place in Protohistoric Southeast Asia. The first process under discussion is distribution and the second process is localization. By means of several theories and a model I demonstrate that the distribution of particular objects, kettledrums, can result in a socio-political interpretation of a local area. It is also argued that the objects under discussion may demonstrate a local development in Java and Bali. Kettledrums are thoroughly introduced, as their general form and dimensions are examined as are the fabrication techniques and used metal composition. The decorations, such as the motifs and other ornamentations, are mentioned as well as the dating of the drums. Distribution is illustrated by an interpretation of a map that has been created by means of a newly composed data collection of kettledrums. It is observed that the distribution of Heger I kettledrums, a type of kettledrum that originated in Dong Son (the north of...Show moreThis thesis deals with two important processes that took place in Protohistoric Southeast Asia. The first process under discussion is distribution and the second process is localization. By means of several theories and a model I demonstrate that the distribution of particular objects, kettledrums, can result in a socio-political interpretation of a local area. It is also argued that the objects under discussion may demonstrate a local development in Java and Bali. Kettledrums are thoroughly introduced, as their general form and dimensions are examined as are the fabrication techniques and used metal composition. The decorations, such as the motifs and other ornamentations, are mentioned as well as the dating of the drums. Distribution is illustrated by an interpretation of a map that has been created by means of a newly composed data collection of kettledrums. It is observed that the distribution of Heger I kettledrums, a type of kettledrum that originated in Dong Son (the north of Vietnam), is similar to the trade routes that have been composed on the basis of other archaeological finds. By utilizing a model, developed by Bennet Bronson, a plausible explanation for the function of kettledrums in local and international trade networks is hypothesized. The emphasis lies on river networks of the larger islands in the west of the Indonesian archipelago. Localization is illustrated by emphasizing the relation between Heger I and Pejeng (a type of drum that originates from either Java or Bali) kettledrums. I explore all possible similarities and argue that Pejeng drums probably are influenced by Heger I drums. It can be noticed that the historic process of “localization”, can already be observed in Protohistoric times. The islands of Bali and Java seem to have been susceptible to localization in particular. This cannot only be observed by means of the development of kettledrums, but also in the development of temples, reliefs and writing. I illustrate this by mentioning the “vernacularization” theory by Sheldon Pollock, who made comparable observations in the context of the development of Sanskrit.Show less

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The Kettledrums of Insular Southeast Asia. Protohistoric Distribution and Localization