Ban
Chiang World Heritage
Site

Known as the UNESCO World Heritage Archeological Site, the remains at Ban Chiang were first excavated during the 1970's by a team from the University of Pennsylvania and the Fine Arts Department of Thailand.

Containing remains and artifacts more than 5000 years old, Ban Chiang achieved world recognition for overturning...

...anthropological theories about the nature of settlements and the movement of humans through South East Asia and the Pacific rim. The site contains strong evidence of highly structured societies that were capable of producing very delicate and imaginative art.

In particular, evidence was found of organised agriculture, early bronze work, and some exquisite pottery.

Interestingly the skeletons are very long, indicating that the inhabitants were considerably taller than today.

Excavations were lead by Dr Chester Gorman of the University of Pennsylvania who sadly died at a very young age.

Today a number of scientists are studying the remains found at the site for clues to health, diet and family relationships.

The sites are clustered around the village of Ban Chiang, 15Km east of Nong Han & about 85 km from Nong Khai. There are two major excavation points where as many as 52 skeletons and lots of artifacts can be seen as they were discovered in situ.

Pictured above is Dr. Pietrusewsky of the University of Hawaii and his colleague Pisit Chareonwongsa engaged in excavation. To the left is the burial chamber of a young adult (as indicated by the teeth) in a "flexed" position.

There is a large well organised national museum which presents some of the finest finds, and shows how theories of the movement and settlement of humans was radically altered by this exciting discovery.
Top