CONFERENCE/WORKSHOP REPORTS

1. The 8th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN ARCHAEOLOGISTS

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Papers during Tuesdays sessions on Indonesia and Myanmar included a re-examination of the chronology of the Sailendra ruling dynasty, re-evaluation of ideas relating to spiritual space and the representation of religious motifs in art history and a consideration of the importance of food and drink in ceremonial activities. There were papers on early lithic technologies, a review of historic textile technology, and an insight into museum collection policies in the 19th century which contrast with current ideas on the interpretation and exhibition of archaeological remains in Myanmar. The poster session on Tuesday evening was well attended and covered a broad spread of topics ranging from the exploration of different aspects of material culture to the results of surveys and excavations at sites throughout Southeast Asia.

Wednesday brought us a memorable moment, with the first of the morning's papers in Chiusi Cathedral making a reference to depictions of the devil! Other topics included a review of the production of stoneware, an assessment of spindle whorls as a means of evaluating the spread of early textile technology, evidence for the local manufacture of semi-precious stone beads in Southeast Asia, aspects of glassworking technology and the examination of an ancient earth deity in a modern context.

On Thursday, although proceedings were slightly hampered by temperamental power supplies, papers included an overview of the development of Khmer imagery, an analysis of early ironworking techniques in Laos and some fascinating insights into the difficulties facing architectural conservators at the World Heritage site of Angkor. A number of reports on recent archaeological surveys carried out in both Cambodia and Laos were presented and the threats and potentials facing a number of heritage sites in Southeast Asia were brought to our attention.

On our final day we were introduced to the analysis of ceramic fabrics and to a new database for field-based recording of ancient monuments. We were presented with evidence of Champa art, spatial organization and water management systems and an impressive presentation was given on the late Cham religious centre of Dong Duong. A chronological sequence was presented for the Oc Eo region and urgent problems facing the heritage site of My So'n were highlighted. Further reports were made on recent surveys and excavations in Laos and Vietnam and early jade working and later island links to trade networks were reviewed.

Tuscany has a rich and diverse cultural heritage and is rightly famed for its traditional cuisine and wines. In recognition of this a number of events were organised for conference participants, which took place outside of the main proceedings. These included a visit to the collections of Bronze Age to late Roman artefacts held at the Museo Civico Archeologico di Sarteano on Monday evening and an invitation from the Mayor of Sarteano to a concert in the delightful surroundings of the recently restored Teatro degli Arrischianti on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday we were the guests of the Comune di Chiusi for lunch in traditional Tuscan style after which we had time to explore Chiusi, visit 'Porsenna's Labyrinth' part of the Etruscan water system beneath the city and enjoy the collections in the National Archaeological Museum before travelling the short distance to the Lago di Chuisi where we sampled regional specialities at a restaurant in a converted farmhouse overlooking the lake. A short tour of the Santa Maria della Scala, a former hospital, orphanage and pilgrim centre, was organised at the end of the Thursday sessions and a little time was available to explore Siena independently.

The conference was congenial and informative, covering a wide range of topics with something of interest for all who attended. Particular thanks must go to Patrizia Zolese for the obvious hard work which went into making this an eventful and enjoyable week.