Mortuary Practices of the Neolithic Ban Kao Culture in Western Thailand

Supamas Doungsakun

The Ban Kao culture, a Neolithic tradition in western Thailand dated to approximately 4,000–3,000 years ago, provides important insights into mortuary practices and social interaction. Named after the Ban Kao archaeological site in Kanchanaburi Province, this culture is distinguished by its diverse funerary ceramics, including tripod vessels, tall-necked pots with high bases, pedestal vessels, and deep trays. These ceramics functioned as ritual offerings, with certain forms reflecting symbolic meanings associated with death and commemoration. Archaeological investigations reveal that Ban Kao communities established settlements in two contrasting ecological zones: upland plains within mountainous terrain and lowland plains adjacent to rivers. Mortuary practices differed in the two areas. In upland zones, caves near settlements served as burial sites, with extended supine interments predominating. In lowland zones, burials were concentrated on earthen mounds surrounded by habitation areas, incorporating both extended supine burials and jar burials. Grave goods also differed across river basins, suggesting localized traditions and ritual adaptations. These variations in burial forms, spatial organization, and associated artifacts indicate the presence of cultural subgroups within the broader Ban Kao culture. Such diversity highlights the interplay between ecological settings, ritual practices, and social identities. The study of Ban Kao mortuary behaviour contributes to broader comparative discussions on Neolithic Southeast Asia, demonstrating how communities negotiated death, memory, and identity through material culture.