Metal Age
Muzium Negara Malaysia Gallery A
Metal Age - Bujang Valley
The Metal Ages
It is believed to have started around 3,500 years ago in South East Asia. Many stone tools have been replaced by bronze and iron during this time. In Malaysia the majority of tools were brought in from abroad.
In Malaysia it is difficult to clearly separate of the Bronze Age and the Iron Age due to conflicting theories about the start of these ages.
Both bronze and iron tools were discovered in Sungai Lang, Selangor, during an excavation. The are believed to be about 2,500 years old.
Bronze Age
The most famous objects during this era are the Dongson drums and the Dongson drum burials.
Dongson Drums
Imported from Dongson, Vietnam. It is an alloy made from copper, tin and lead. These drums are usually found in pairs. The bells feature geometric designs.
Other objects during this era include socketed axes and adzes, other sharp implements and bracelets.
Dongson Drum Burials
Meant for those in "society". There were 2 such burial drums found during the Kampung Sungai Lang excavation, although no human skeletal remains were found. The other artifacts uncovered during the excavation included pots and beads.
Iron Age
It is unclear if the Iron Age culture were imported or had existed locally. The tools used during this era include socketed implements like
- axe heads and adzes
- sickles, spears and knives.
They are usually found as part of hoards on in granite cist graves. Socketed elbow shaped tools like the tulang mawas or ape bone were used. Not very much is known about this era at the present moment.
Cist Graves
These are made of granite slabs and are found in the Bernam Valley, South Perak, only. They have been carbon dated to between the 2nd and the 8th century.
No human skeleton have been found. Based on the elaborate nature of these graves, it would have been for someone important during that time.
Jar Burial
These are common in Sabah and Sarawak.
- The Martaban Jars were used to rebury cremated remains in stone jars.
- Metal Jars were later used to bury the body without cremation.
A burial jar was also found in Trengganu in 1985.
Log Coffins
Most commonly found in Sabah. These are made from single logs that are split lengthwise and dug to form a coffin. The logs are cut with iron tools.
These coffins are buried in caves that are often high up in cliffs and are communally owned. The coffins have extensions to make it easier to lift them up to such high places.
C14 dates suggest these ritual to be at least 1000 years old.
Megaliths
This are rough cut stones or natural boulders that were created by humans. They are assumed to be for religious use. In Malaysia, Megaliths do not pre-date the Metal Age.
The most common forms are the upright standing stones or menhris. In Sabah they appear singly while in Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia the occur in pairs or clusters.
In Melaka they appear as avenues and in Negri Sembilan as long low mounds. The most famous is the Batu Hidup or Living Stones in Pengkalan Kempas, Negri Sembilan.
Go to the top of this Metal Age page
What do you love about Kuala Lumpur?
What's the #1 thing that you love. And what's your # 1 thing you hate about Kuala Lumpur? Share with us your kudos and complaints about Kuala Lumpur.
If you find this page helpful please recommend it by clicking on these buttons:
New! Comments
"
Share your thoughts. Help me improve this page. Thanks.