The Wonders of Neolithic Life go on show in Suphan Buri

Main photo: Ancient pottery, crafted by Neolithic potters around 4,000 years ago, has been discovered in Nong Ratchawat.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

At the U Thong National Museum in Suphan Buri province, the past feels closer than ever, thanks to the Ancestors of U Thong, an interesting exhibition which has just opened to mark Thai Heritage Conservation Day 2024.

The 73 ancient artifacts on display in this collection were unearthed from archaeological sites both inside and outside of U Thong, reflecting thousands of years of human life.

Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are taken through eight thoughtfully arranged galleries, each peeling back a layer of time to reveal a rich history of this ancient land, from prehistoric communities to the dawn of recorded history. Indeed, alienation from the past is not easy within these spaces as each artifact opens a window on how people lived, worked and thrived in this region.

Photo: Glass beads unearthed at the U Thong excavation site and nearby areas suggest that U Thong was once part of an ancient trade route.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Suphan Buri, which is seated on the banks of the serene Tha Chin River against a backdrop of valleys and foothills of the Tenasserim Range, is one of Thailand's oldest centers of civilization. Prehistorical sites, unearthed by the Fine Arts Department between Dan Chang and Nong Ya Sai, are numerous. The artifacts discovered here reveal a shared culture of life among its early settlers – a culture that finds vibrant life in the exhibition.

Going back in time

Your journey begins in the New Stone Age gallery. In this gallery, polished stone axes – both with and without shoulders – date back some 3,000 years.

It seems incredible that all these tools in various shapes and sizes would serve as devices for land clearing to prepare for farming to, perhaps, settling a disagreement with a less-than-gentle tap. These well-crafted axes hint at the everyday difficulties and triumphs of Neolithic life.

Photo: Neolithic people used stone axes of various shapes and sizes for land clearing to prepare for farming and to resolve disputes with neighbors.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

The second gallery whisks you away to the Nong Ratchawat Archaeological Site, about 45 minutes from Suphan Buri town. This 4,000-year-old site is singular in that it is Neolithic only; it had not been in contact with later influences from the Bronze and Iron Ages. This gives Nong Ratchawat a unique place in Thailand's history, different from places like Ban Chiang or Ban Kao. Contacts as far away as southern China are revealed by the artifacts here, showing just how connected some early cultures were.

Photo: An ancient bird sculpture is featured in the Ancestors of U Thong exhibition in Suphan Buri.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

The Neolithic period was one of great flux, where people settled into communities and slowly gave up their nomadic hunting and gathering for farming. For example, pottery became an integral part of daily life; everything from cookware to burials depended on it. You can see at the museum a collection of wonderfully crafted pots and vessels, some well over 4,000 years old, placed beside the dead as offerings for the afterlife.

Stories in clay

The gallery of the Hua Ud Archaeological Site shows numerous pieces of burial pottery, dating back 3,300 to 3,500 years. Each of these pieces has a story to tell.

The elaborate design of these pots-from pedestal vessels to three-legged bowls highlights the artistic skill and spiritual beliefs of the people. Indeed, for Neolithic societies, this burial pottery was symbolic, standing for values, beliefs, and social structure.

Photo: Ancient pottery, crafted by Neolithic potters around 4,000 years ago, has been discovered in Nong Ratchawat.//Photo:Fine Arts Department

The Talay Bok Archaeological Site gallery opens a window into the everyday life of thousands of years ago. You will also see partial remains of stone tools, pots, and even milk vessels that show the tangible connection with food, drink, and culture of such early communities. These objects, from 3,000 to 4,200 years ago, bring the ancient world into sharp focus.

Moving further into history, the exhibition takes you back to the Iron Age, around 1,700-2,300 years in the past.

The exhibits from the Don Ta Phet Archaeological Site reflect how the crafts evolved. Various beautifully crafted bronze bowls and bracelets are again a reflection of skillful artisans and wide trade networks during the time.

In the final gallery, you will find evidence of cultural exchanges far beyond Thailand. This is highlighted by a striking two-headed animal pendant and monkey-shaped earrings from the Sa Huynh culture of Vietnam, which show the cross-cultural influences that shaped this region between the 1st and 5th centuries CE.

These small but important artifacts offer a fascinating insight into a world where ideas, art, and beliefs were shared across borders.

Photo: A two-headed animal pendant is featured in the Ancestors of U Thong exhibition in Suphan Buri.//Photo: Fine Arts Department

Planning Your Visit

The exhibition on the Ancestors of U Thong is open to the public at the U Thong National Museum, which is open Wednesday through Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is THB 30 for Thai nationals and THB 150 for international visitors.