2. WORKSHOP ON THE BRONZE AGE CULTURE OF NYAUNG-GAN, MYANMAR.
By Joyce White, The University Museum, 33rd & Spruce Streets, University of Pennsylvania, Philadephia, PA 19104, USA.

A Workshop on the Bronze Age Culture of Nyaung-gan was held from January 2nd to 7th 1999 in Myanmar (Burma). The Workshop was co-sponsored by the Myanmar Historical Commission, Universities Historical Research Centre and the Directorate of Archaeology. Invited participating scholars from outside of Historical Commission, Universities Historical Research Centre and the Directorate of Archaeology. Invited participating scholars from outside of Myanmar included in alphabetical order: Pisit Charoenwongsa, Charles Higham, Ian Glover, Jiang Zhi Long, John Miksic, Nikom Musigakama, Jean-Paul Pautreau, Nancy Tayles, and Joyce White. Somsuda Leyavanija, Guy Lubeigt, and Dhida Saraya were additional observers.

The Workshop began with a two-day site visit. This was one of the most remarkable scholarly experiences I have ever experienced. Place a dozen experts on various aspects of Southeast Asian prehistory in a new "potentially bronze age" site in a country with no previously defined bronze age sequence and, with only a minimal introduction to the excavations, see what they figure out from the exposed evidence. Sort of a post-doctoral exam for which they are to orally report their findings a few days later! Although when they arrived at the site, most participants were in various stages of jet-lag and cultural adjustment, the wonderful experience energized the group and lively discussions of the evidence ensued over the next two days.

The excavations at Nyaung-gan revealed a cemetery whose graves were variously The excavations at Nyaung-gan revealed a cemetery whose graves were variously endowed with ceramics, stone bracelets, copper-base artifacts (mostly socketed implements) and other items. The economic and social meaning of the cemetery was the topic of much of the discussion. Pending absolute dating, there was general agreement that the site probably dated to the 1st millennium B.C.

After the site visit, the participants visited Mandalay, en route back to Yangon, where a 2 day workshop with formal presentations ensued. On the first day back in Yangon, five visiting scholars gave presentations on their work concerning topics of the Southeast Asian bronze age drawing mainly from evidence in Thailand: Joyce White, Nancy Tayles, Jean-Paul Pautreau, Charles Higham, and Ian Glover.

On the second day following formal ceremonies, the Myanmar scholars presented their work on the site and its remains. Dr. Pe Maung Than presented the geology of the region; U Puak Puak discussed the excavation procedures; U Nyunt Han presented a summary of the findings; U Kyaw Han reviewed burial practices; Dr. Daw Khin Lay Yi discussed the osteological study; U Nyunt Htay presented Han presented a summary of the findings; U Kyaw Han reviewed burial practices; Dr. Daw Khin Lay Yi discussed the osteological study; U Nyunt Htay presented the metallurgical analyses; U San Nyein reviewed the beads, and U Sein Myint presented an environmental analysis.

During the afternoon, all visiting participating scholars offered additional comments on their observations of the site and the work of the Myanmar scholars.

All participants agreed that the entire workshop was a truly remarkable occasion for the scholarship of Southeast Asian prehistory. The free-flowing and harmonious exchange of ideas among international peers is a feat to be emulated at all future international meetings in our region. Many specific issues were raised in the discussion including both pragmatic and scholarly topics. Obtaining absolute dates and other specialized technical studies such as quantitative elemental analyses for the metal artifacts will be challenges. Concern for the complete excavation of the exposed materials, and the problems of not only full analysis but also proper storage of the human remains were raised by several scholars. The cultural resource management issues were of not only full analysis but also proper storage of the human remains were raised by several scholars. The cultural resource management issues were raised by Nikom Musigakama, John Miksic, and Pisit Charoenwongsa who commented on the challenges, expenses, and advisability in stabilizing such a site for tourism. Jiang Zhi Long pointed out similarities among some of the Nyaung-gan artifacts with implements excavated in Yunnan. Joyce White proposed alternative models for the economic role that the Nyaung-gan society might have played in prehistory. The papers will be published in a proceedings volume.

All the discussions over the entire week took place among incredible hospitality, peppered with incredible meals, and experiences of the Myanmar culture and country, all under the maternal eye of Daw Ni Ni Myint. Most participants noted that low calorie diets would be in order upon their return home. All participants also "made new friends" and valued spending substantial relaxed time with old acquaintances, as the small group and ample time table allowed for more in-depth interaction than is possible in the typical international conference. The opportunity to see several parts of Myanmar was also a truly special experience. Viewing Pagan from the air, the experiences of the summit of Mandalay Hill at sunset and Swedagon Pagoda in the late also a truly special experience. Viewing Pagan from the air, the experiences of the summit of Mandalay Hill at sunset and Swedagon Pagoda in the late afternoon, with its indescribable sights, sounds, and aromatic atmosphere, were unforgettable. The remarkable generosity and thoughtfulness of our hosts in so many ways in the organization of the week and the care-taking of the participants will long be remembered by all.