Non Nok Tha

Terrain

General Condition

Non Nok Tha archaeological site or Non Pa Kluay It is located about 400 meters south of Ban Non Nok Tha community. At present, it is a mound about 110 meters wide (along the north-south line), about 160 meters long (along the east-west direction) high from the area. Surrounding the agricultural area (raisins and rice fields) about 2-3 meters on the hillside are banana plantations, bamboo plantations and sugar cane plantations. There was a small piece of clay pottery. Brown, gray and orange scattered along the soil surface. Some of the pieces are decorated with a tapestry pattern.

In the west and north, there is a large creek which is a natural stream that flows next to the mound. (The creek in the north is shallow in some parts) This creek originates from Phu Wiang. and flows into Nong Na Kham and the Phong River, approximately 2.8 and 3.6 kilometers northeast of the source, respectively.

The area around the archaeological site is the undulating area between Phu Wiang and the Phong River. Phu Wiang is located about 2.5 kilometers to the west and the Phong River is about 3.6 kilometers to the northeast. The area has a slope from west to east.

Height above mean sea level

Waterway

Huay Yai, Phong River

Geological conditions

The geomorphology is sandstone in the Phu Kradueng rock category.

Archaeological Era

era/culture

Archaeological age

Types of archaeological sites

archaeological essence

Non Nok Tha or Non Pa Kluai area It is an archaeological site that has not yet been registered as an ancient site. Has been excavated by Dr. Donn Bayard (Donn Bayard) American archaeologist in 1966 and 1968. A total of 87 human skeletons from 115 tombs have been analyzed. by Dr.Michale Pietrusewsky (1974) and a report published in 1974

Dr. Donne Bayard's excavations (Bayard 1970; 1971; 1977; Suraphon Nathapindu 2007) The first excavation covers an area of ​​150 square meters, while the second excavation covers an area of ​​190 square meters, meaning that the excavated area is only 3.2% of the site area, which is about 10,630 square meters.

Even if it only operates in a small area. However, no fewer than 205 prehistoric tombs were found, and 800 complete and nearly complete pottery were found.

The archaeological features of Non Nok Tha are complex due to disturbances. But the excavators were able to use the characteristics of the earthenware and the form of the burial to distinguish the age of the prehistoric culture at this site into 3 major periods:the Early Period, the Middle Ages ( Middle Period) and Late Period with details as follows

Early Period

From the rice husk samples stuck in the clay pot under the grave when the age was determined by the carbon-14 method. Estimated age of about 3,500 BC or about 5,500 years ago. Rice analysis revealed that it was Oryza sativa . (Chin Dee Dee 1974 :175)

Therefore, in the early days, the area of ​​Non Nok Tha was used by prehistoric people. Probably between 5,500-4,500 years ago, divided into 3 sub-stages according to the nature of the burial style. The use of rice husks in the soil used to make pottery in the early days It implies that people in the early days of Non Nok Tha had already cultivated rice. It is also likely that certain animals such as cows, dogs and pigs are bred.

However, the original community of Non Nok Tha continued to hunt wild animals. This can be seen in the bones of deer and many species of wild animals.

There are many types of pottery in this early period. Most of them are round bottomed containers. Decorated with striped rope pattern There is also a container decorated with intricate scribbles. The terrazzo ax was a tool that was still in use. but found a small piece of bronze A metal axhead, possibly one of copper or bronze, was found in one of the early stage 3 tombs (Bayard 1977:63).

Middle Period

Aged between 4,500-1,800 years ago, it can be divided into 8 sub-stages and is classified as an era that appears widespread use of bronze. There is a new pottery. appear increased The found crucibles and sandstone molds show that bronze was cast for use within the community. Although most of the life style is similar to the early days. But the special objects found in the tombs show that the differences among the members of society are already quite evident. There may be a relationship with more exchanges.

Late Period

It has been covered since about 1,000 years ago. It began after the site was abandoned for a while. and can be divided into 6 sub-stages. In the late period of Non Nok Tha, iron was used to make tools and popular traditions of cremation.

Determination of the age of the cultural hierarchy of the archaeological site of Non Nok Tha It is still a controversial issue, however, excavators (Bayard 1977:64) consider it very likely that the early period is between 3,500-2,500 BC, or about 5,500-4,500 years ago. Between 2,500 BC and 200 AD, or about 4,500-1,700 years ago, and the late period dates from about 1000 AD.

Prapit Chusiri (1992) compiled the results of studies of prehistoric human skeletons from various archaeological sites in Thailand, including at Non Nok Tha as follows:

Human skeleton from excavation 1966 Number of 83 frames

25 males, 33 females, 25 sexes unspecified

Average age at death 37-48 years

Male average height 163-186 cm (American white formula)

Female average height 144-170 cm (American white formula)

Human skeleton from excavation 1968 Number of 118 frames

53 males, 27 females, 29 children, 9 genders unspecified.

Average age at death 20-35 years

Male average height 162-173 centimeters (Mongoloid formula)