🌏

Neolithic Movements in Southeast Asia

Oct 15, 2024

Models of Neolithic Movements in Southeast Asia and the Pacific

Introduction

  • The origins of cultural similarities in Southeast Asia are traced back to the Neolithic age.
  • Two major hypotheses explain Neolithic movements and cultural similarities:
    • Peter Bellwood's Out-of-Taiwan (OOT) Hypothesis
    • Wilhelm Solheim's Nusantao Maritime Trading and Communication Network (NMTCN)

Bellwood's Out-of-Taiwan (OOT) Hypothesis

  • Dominant model explaining Neolithic movements in the Pacific.
  • Austronesian Concept: "South Islander"
    • Refers to both language family and populations speaking Austronesian languages.

Key Elements of the OOT Model

  1. 4500 BC - 4000 BC: Settlement in Taiwan
    • Pre-Austronesian peoples migrate from China due to agricultural pressures.
    • Development of Proto-Austronesian language.
  2. 3000 BC: Differentiation of TPK Culture
    • Yuanshan culture significantly impacts settlement in the Philippines and Indonesia.
  3. 2500 BC - 1500 BC: Migration to the Philippines and Indonesia
    • Proto-Austronesian differentiates further as it reaches these islands.
  4. 1500 BC: Expansion to Java and Further
    • Austronesian influence spreads west to Madagascar and east to the Pacific.
    • Development into Lapita pottery complex.

Solheim's Nusantao Maritime Trading and Communication Network (NMTCN)

  • Emphasizes cultural over biological connections.
  • Nusantao Concept: "People of the South Islands"
    • Not interchangeable with Austronesian; focuses on maritime culture.

The NMTCN Structure

  • Central Lobe: Early and Late divisions
    • Early Central: Homeland in eastern Vietnam, predates Austronesian language.
    • Late Central: Includes Southeastern Taiwan and South China.
  • Northern Lobe: Extends from Taiwan to the Americas.
  • Eastern Lobe: Includes Moluccas to Easter Island.
  • Western Lobe: Stretches from Southeast Asia to Africa.

Expansion of the NMTCN

  1. Eastward from Early Central Lobe
    • Development of Early Eastern Lobe by 3000-4000 BC.
  2. Northward Expansion
    • Movement includes coastal China and Japan.
  3. Westward to Western Lobe
    • Pottery links to sites in Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia.
  4. Late Eastern Lobe Expansion
    • Extends into Pacific Islands.

Comparison and Epilogue

  • Bellwood: Linguistic orientation; linear movement.
  • Solheim: Anthropological orientation; multidirectional spread via maritime networks.
  • Both models have strengths and limitations.
  • Further research needed on maritime conditions and technologies of the period to determine which model reflects historical events more accurately.

References

  • Bibliography includes works by Bellwood, Solheim, and others on Southeast Asian archaeology and Austronesian languages.