Jar-burial tradition in the maritime Southeast Asia: origin and areal subdivision

Tradition of Jar-burials is one of the most interesting phenomena in the ritual practice of the ancient cultures in Eastern and Southeastern Asia during the Neolithic Period. The earliest records and descriptions of such burials are dated from the end of 19th - the first half of the 20th century. It concerns the finds from Sumba, Sulawesi and Java Islands (Indonesia). Taiwan is most often referred to as a possible place of origin of this tradition where Jar-burials are dated back to earlier than 3000 BP. The common characteristic feature is that a clay vessel represents a special part of the burial construction of this tradition. Currently, the Jar-burials known so far are classified into 14 “areas” and three “chronological horizons”.