Exploring Santubong Archaeological Sites
Prepared By The Members of Group 14:
Prepared By The Members of Group 14:
1. Claudia Vina Anak Manau (65719)
1. Claudia Vina Anak Manau (65719)
2. Dayangku Nur Athirah Binti Awang Zamri (65781)
2. Dayangku Nur Athirah Binti Awang Zamri (65781)
3. Maxtrona Anak Aping (66601)
3. Maxtrona Anak Aping (66601)
4. Nur Qalimah Binti Jamali (67197)
4. Nur Qalimah Binti Jamali (67197)
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Photo 1: A picture of Mount Santubong resembling a person who is lying down or sleeping.
© https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/santubong/
© https://sarawaktourism.com/attraction/santubong/
Photo 2: A layout of Santubong Mountain
© https://asianitinerary.com/santubong-activities-and-attractions/
© https://asianitinerary.com/santubong-activities-and-attractions/
Photo 3: A photo of Puteri Santubong & Puteri Sejinjang
© http://smudgepotato.blogspot.com/2017/10/kisah-puteri-santubong-dan-puteri.html
© http://smudgepotato.blogspot.com/2017/10/kisah-puteri-santubong-dan-puteri.html
Mount Santubong or more well known as Gunung Santubong is a mountain in the Malaysian state of Sarawak (Wikipedia). According to Guri (2013), Mount Santubong was discovered by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1855 while he was collecting specimen in Sarawak. Mount Santubong has been gazetted as one of Sarawak’s National Parks, and its nearby beach is recognized as one of the biggest wetland areas in Borneo. Today, Mount Santubong is one of the well-known tourist attraction in Borneo.
Mount Santubong or more well known as Gunung Santubong is a mountain in the Malaysian state of Sarawak (Wikipedia). According to Guri (2013), Mount Santubong was discovered by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1855 while he was collecting specimen in Sarawak. Mount Santubong has been gazetted as one of Sarawak’s National Parks, and its nearby beach is recognized as one of the biggest wetland areas in Borneo. Today, Mount Santubong is one of the well-known tourist attraction in Borneo.
Often the visitors who passed by and witness the breathtaking view of this mountain will mention that the shape of the mountain is as if it looks like a person lying down and specifically they've mentioned it looked like a women. This assumption may be related to one of the myths that was well known among the Asian society. The tale of two princesses named Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang who were cursed into mountains for their inappropriate behaviour and actions. There is no concrete evidence and scientific explanation behind the shape of the mountain. It is assumed as an act and wonders of nature.
Often the visitors who passed by and witness the breathtaking view of this mountain will mention that the shape of the mountain is as if it looks like a person lying down and specifically they've mentioned it looked like a women. This assumption may be related to one of the myths that was well known among the Asian society. The tale of two princesses named Puteri Santubong and Puteri Sejinjang who were cursed into mountains for their inappropriate behaviour and actions. There is no concrete evidence and scientific explanation behind the shape of the mountain. It is assumed as an act and wonders of nature.
According to Chia (2011), Santubong is said to be a historical heritage site as it has establish connections with the previous Chinese civilisation. The tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, claimed that the late Tun Lim Chong Eu, former Penang Chief Minister has asked him to conduct a study of such nature considering that there is something in history that connects Santubong with Chinese history. He claimed that the Chinese people had used the term ‘San Dao Pong’ to represent mount Santubong. He also claimed that there was a myth on the shape of Santubong Mountain that resembles a queen lying down.
According to Chia (2011), Santubong is said to be a historical heritage site as it has establish connections with the previous Chinese civilisation. The tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, claimed that the late Tun Lim Chong Eu, former Penang Chief Minister has asked him to conduct a study of such nature considering that there is something in history that connects Santubong with Chinese history. He claimed that the Chinese people had used the term ‘San Dao Pong’ to represent mount Santubong. He also claimed that there was a myth on the shape of Santubong Mountain that resembles a queen lying down.
Meanwhile, Bong (2016) claimed that, the original inhabitants of Santubong were the Ibans (Sea Dayak). The term Santubong was believed to be derived from the word ‘Si-antu-ubong’ which means the spirit boat in the Iban language. The term might also have been derived from the word ‘san choo bong’, which means king of wild boar in the Hakka Chinese dialect. Besides the famous local mythology that tells the tale of jealousy and rage between two sisters who were the princesses of ‘Kayangan’, other cultural artefacts such as the Batu Buaya, Batu Bergambar and Sultan Tengah Mausoleum were also found in Santubong.
Meanwhile, Bong (2016) claimed that, the original inhabitants of Santubong were the Ibans (Sea Dayak). The term Santubong was believed to be derived from the word ‘Si-antu-ubong’ which means the spirit boat in the Iban language. The term might also have been derived from the word ‘san choo bong’, which means king of wild boar in the Hakka Chinese dialect. Besides the famous local mythology that tells the tale of jealousy and rage between two sisters who were the princesses of ‘Kayangan’, other cultural artefacts such as the Batu Buaya, Batu Bergambar and Sultan Tengah Mausoleum were also found in Santubong.
According to Wan (2013), archaeological activities in Santubong started in 1948 and was led by the curator of the Sarawak Museum at that time, Tom Harrison (1911– 1976). Studies were carried out in six linked sites along the deltas of the Sarawak River (Photo 3). The findings proved that the six excavated sites which are Sungei Jaong, Bongkissam, Bukit Maras, Sungei Buah, Tanjong Kubor and Tanjong Jegok has formed parts of a harbor. Santubong was not only a busy harbor but also a center for the iron industry, complete with various facilities as the region's main industry is iron smelting. Earthenware fragments and pottery shards found show us that many of the well-known Chinese ceramics were in use here.
According to Wan (2013), archaeological activities in Santubong started in 1948 and was led by the curator of the Sarawak Museum at that time, Tom Harrison (1911– 1976). Studies were carried out in six linked sites along the deltas of the Sarawak River (Photo 3). The findings proved that the six excavated sites which are Sungei Jaong, Bongkissam, Bukit Maras, Sungei Buah, Tanjong Kubor and Tanjong Jegok has formed parts of a harbor. Santubong was not only a busy harbor but also a center for the iron industry, complete with various facilities as the region's main industry is iron smelting. Earthenware fragments and pottery shards found show us that many of the well-known Chinese ceramics were in use here.
Photo 4: Map of Santubong archaeological sites
© Examine between ancient China and Borneo through Santubong archaeological sites,Sino-Platonic Papers,Page (12) by Wan Kong Ann
© Examine between ancient China and Borneo through Santubong archaeological sites,Sino-Platonic Papers,Page (12) by Wan Kong Ann
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SANTUBONG
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SANTUBONG
SUNGEI JAONG (JAONG RIVER)
SUNGEI JAONG (JAONG RIVER)
Photo 5: “Batu Bergambar” of spread-eagled human figure.
© http://peterlee365.blogspot.com/2014/04/batu-bergambar-at-sungai-jaong-santubong.html
© http://peterlee365.blogspot.com/2014/04/batu-bergambar-at-sungai-jaong-santubong.html
Located 2km away from Santubong Village, it was once a busy trade route in Borneo in the past (Wan, 2013). This site is famous for its rock carvings and evidence of human settlements tracing back as far as more than a thousand years ago was found. There are about 50 images of humans carved on stone. One of it is called ‘Batu Bergambar’, a carving of spread-eagled human figure about life-size. However, not much information was discovered regarding this rock carving. This famous rock carving is still at the site and is put under the care of Sarawak Museum. The replicated version can also be found in Sarawak Museum.
Located 2km away from Santubong Village, it was once a busy trade route in Borneo in the past (Wan, 2013). This site is famous for its rock carvings and evidence of human settlements tracing back as far as more than a thousand years ago was found. There are about 50 images of humans carved on stone. One of it is called ‘Batu Bergambar’, a carving of spread-eagled human figure about life-size. However, not much information was discovered regarding this rock carving. This famous rock carving is still at the site and is put under the care of Sarawak Museum. The replicated version can also be found in Sarawak Museum.
Photo 6: Iron slags found at the Jaong River site.
© https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/09/19/fruitful-outing-for-members-of-local-media/
© https://www.theborneopost.com/2013/09/19/fruitful-outing-for-members-of-local-media/
Other findings also include iron-smelting crucible, ceramic wares (pottery and porcelain) from Tang and Song dynasty, coarse earthenware(cooking utensils), gold objects, as well as glass beads and bangles of different origin that are thought to be similar to ancient sites on the mainland across the sea and is also used by the peoples further inland (Cheng, 1969). The remains of iron-smelting crucible further proving that the settlers in the area used to be involved in smelting industry about a thousand year ago.
Other findings also include iron-smelting crucible, ceramic wares (pottery and porcelain) from Tang and Song dynasty, coarse earthenware(cooking utensils), gold objects, as well as glass beads and bangles of different origin that are thought to be similar to ancient sites on the mainland across the sea and is also used by the peoples further inland (Cheng, 1969). The remains of iron-smelting crucible further proving that the settlers in the area used to be involved in smelting industry about a thousand year ago.
BONGKISSAM (DELTA OF THE SARAWAK RIVER)
BONGKISSAM (DELTA OF THE SARAWAK RIVER)
Photo 7: Bongkissam shrine in the 1960s
© http://sarawakheritagesociety.com/santubong-village-extension-and-archaeological-sites-the-need-to-reconcile-development-needs-and-heritage-conservation/
© http://sarawakheritagesociety.com/santubong-village-extension-and-archaeological-sites-the-need-to-reconcile-development-needs-and-heritage-conservation/
Bongkissam located just near the outskirts of Santubong Village. The Bongkissam shrine is believed to be a Hindu shrine. Remains found in Bongkissam are somewhat similar to the Jaong River findings. During excavation in 1955, 3,107 pieces of iron-smelting crucibles, 67,668 units of pottery shards, 49,393 units of crude pottery and chinaware fragments, 659 units of glass beads and bangles along with 84 units of metal product were found at the site (Wan,2013). Another finding in 1966 includes platform-like stone construction and on the top of the platform were ceramic sherds believed to be of the Song dynasty. Inside the platform was a small sacrificial altar along with over 100 gold objects, semi-precious stones, beads and a small sculpture. The ritual deposit boxes found at the site was a common practice of Hindu-Buddhist tradition originated from India which has spread to East Asia and South-east Asia region (Cheng, 1969). The discovery of Chinese ceramics and Buddhist relics in the area indicates there was a trade activity with China and India besides the interaction between the local’s settlers and foreigners in the past.
Bongkissam located just near the outskirts of Santubong Village. The Bongkissam shrine is believed to be a Hindu shrine. Remains found in Bongkissam are somewhat similar to the Jaong River findings. During excavation in 1955, 3,107 pieces of iron-smelting crucibles, 67,668 units of pottery shards, 49,393 units of crude pottery and chinaware fragments, 659 units of glass beads and bangles along with 84 units of metal product were found at the site (Wan,2013). Another finding in 1966 includes platform-like stone construction and on the top of the platform were ceramic sherds believed to be of the Song dynasty. Inside the platform was a small sacrificial altar along with over 100 gold objects, semi-precious stones, beads and a small sculpture. The ritual deposit boxes found at the site was a common practice of Hindu-Buddhist tradition originated from India which has spread to East Asia and South-east Asia region (Cheng, 1969). The discovery of Chinese ceramics and Buddhist relics in the area indicates there was a trade activity with China and India besides the interaction between the local’s settlers and foreigners in the past.
BUKIT MARAS
BUKIT MARAS
This is a hillock at the foot of the Santubong Mountain behind Bongkissam, mile and half from Jaong. Khalik (2017) claimed that Bukit Maras is very important in Sarawak's history as it proves that Santubong was the earliest government to exist in the 5th century. This ruined relic has the image of a head and an elephant, thus marking the existence of civilization in the area. In fact, they also found iron, fragments of pottery and so on, proving that there could be trade activities and evidence that Santubong was a maritime government.
This is a hillock at the foot of the Santubong Mountain behind Bongkissam, mile and half from Jaong. Khalik (2017) claimed that Bukit Maras is very important in Sarawak's history as it proves that Santubong was the earliest government to exist in the 5th century. This ruined relic has the image of a head and an elephant, thus marking the existence of civilization in the area. In fact, they also found iron, fragments of pottery and so on, proving that there could be trade activities and evidence that Santubong was a maritime government.
Other findings also include iron slag but without any crucibles, while the other remains are dominated by earthenware sherds, associated glass beads, metal article and the other pieces of stoneware fragments.
Other findings also include iron slag but without any crucibles, while the other remains are dominated by earthenware sherds, associated glass beads, metal article and the other pieces of stoneware fragments.
Photo 9: Dr Charles shows a sketch of Chinese civilization in the Bukit Maras area during a visit to a historic site in Kampung Santubong.
© https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2017/04/19/spk-di-kampung-santubong-diyakini-tidak-jejas-tapak-warisan-peninggalan-sejarah
© https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2017/04/19/spk-di-kampung-santubong-diyakini-tidak-jejas-tapak-warisan-peninggalan-sejarah
Photo 10: The discovery of historic artifacts in Bukit Maras is among the earliest evidence that Santubong was once the most important port for Chinese trade routes in Southeast Asia.- Photo by Rudi Afendi
©https://www.bharian.com.my/taxonomy/term/1303/2017/07/266123/serpihan-seramik-singkap-sejarah-santubong
©https://www.bharian.com.my/taxonomy/term/1303/2017/07/266123/serpihan-seramik-singkap-sejarah-santubong
'SUNGEI BUAH'/ BUAH RIVER
'SUNGEI BUAH'/ BUAH RIVER
Photo 11: Mount Santubong is a mountain in the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Mount Santubong is situated 6km north of Sungai Buah. Photo Wikimediaa, CC BY-SA 2.5
© https://mapcarta.com/15902994
© https://mapcarta.com/15902994
This is a larger creek than Jaong, on the opposite bank of the Sarawak River. It runs for a half mile to the foot of Mount Buah, by which in ancient times the river ran, but is now separated from all tide water by 300-800 yards of mangroves swamp. According to Khalik (2017), The fieldwork here was also quite extensive, covering an area of about half a mile in length and in places deeper than seven feet. Apart from the iron slag, crucibles and grooved stone hammers and a large number of earthenware and porcelain sherds, breads and glass bangles were also found.
This is a larger creek than Jaong, on the opposite bank of the Sarawak River. It runs for a half mile to the foot of Mount Buah, by which in ancient times the river ran, but is now separated from all tide water by 300-800 yards of mangroves swamp. According to Khalik (2017), The fieldwork here was also quite extensive, covering an area of about half a mile in length and in places deeper than seven feet. Apart from the iron slag, crucibles and grooved stone hammers and a large number of earthenware and porcelain sherds, breads and glass bangles were also found.
TANJONG KUBOR
TANJONG KUBOR
This site has found the evidence of Chinese ancient cemetery more than thousand years ago. According to Cheng (1969), Tanjong Kubor located on a headland on the seaward side of the Mount Buah, a mile across the river estuary from Santubong. This sites has an area of 2,242 square feet and the excavation uncovered 31,416 soft earth shreds and 1,383 fragments of Tang and Sung stoneware and porcelain. Based on the the overwhelming amount of coarse ware seems to show that cemetery served some common people who could afford only the cheaper type of ceramics as mortuary furniture. Furthermore, among 46 beads, 3 glass bangles, 46 pieces of iron, 7 bangles of bronze and 2 objects of gold was Kai-Yuan coin which is confirm that the cemetery may be dated from Tang or Sung period. Finally, the ancient cemetery that was found at the Tanjong Kubor is a burial ground for commoners, because only cheap chinaware was found.
This site has found the evidence of Chinese ancient cemetery more than thousand years ago. According to Cheng (1969), Tanjong Kubor located on a headland on the seaward side of the Mount Buah, a mile across the river estuary from Santubong. This sites has an area of 2,242 square feet and the excavation uncovered 31,416 soft earth shreds and 1,383 fragments of Tang and Sung stoneware and porcelain. Based on the the overwhelming amount of coarse ware seems to show that cemetery served some common people who could afford only the cheaper type of ceramics as mortuary furniture. Furthermore, among 46 beads, 3 glass bangles, 46 pieces of iron, 7 bangles of bronze and 2 objects of gold was Kai-Yuan coin which is confirm that the cemetery may be dated from Tang or Sung period. Finally, the ancient cemetery that was found at the Tanjong Kubor is a burial ground for commoners, because only cheap chinaware was found.
TANJONG TEGOK
TANJONG TEGOK
Tanjong Tegok site is a headland cemetery, smaller in size than Tanjong Kubor situated on the other side of the river estuary to the north-west of Santubong. The excavation here unearthed 1,623 Tang and Sung stoneware and porcelain shreds with only 43 of earthenware. Besides that, the low percentage of the latter, 3 per cent as compared with 96 per cent at Tanjong Kubor. This suggests that the cemetery had served a richer community as it is able to afford the better types of mortuary objects. This can be further substantiated by existence of 2 beads, 1 gold ring, 3 pieces of iron, 1 Chinese copper cash and 106 pieces of charcoal. Moreover, it has been a common practice in China since Shang and Chou times to place charcoal in the tombs to keep the burial dry. In short, the ancient cemetery that was found at the Tanjong Tegok, Santubong probably a burial ground for the rich because finer funerary objects were found (Wan, 2013).
Tanjong Tegok site is a headland cemetery, smaller in size than Tanjong Kubor situated on the other side of the river estuary to the north-west of Santubong. The excavation here unearthed 1,623 Tang and Sung stoneware and porcelain shreds with only 43 of earthenware. Besides that, the low percentage of the latter, 3 per cent as compared with 96 per cent at Tanjong Kubor. This suggests that the cemetery had served a richer community as it is able to afford the better types of mortuary objects. This can be further substantiated by existence of 2 beads, 1 gold ring, 3 pieces of iron, 1 Chinese copper cash and 106 pieces of charcoal. Moreover, it has been a common practice in China since Shang and Chou times to place charcoal in the tombs to keep the burial dry. In short, the ancient cemetery that was found at the Tanjong Tegok, Santubong probably a burial ground for the rich because finer funerary objects were found (Wan, 2013).
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Bong, K. (2016). Making Santubong an archaeological site. Retreived from https://www.theborneopost.com/2016/12/08/making-santubong-an archaeologi cal-site/
Cheng, T. K. (1969). Archaeology in Sarawak. Cambridge, UK: W. Heffer & Sons Ltd. Encyclopedia britanicca. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.britannic a.com/topic/Kai-yuan
Cheng, T.K. (1969). Archaeology in Sarawak. Cambridge, UK: W. Heffer & Sons Ltd. Lee, P. (2014). Batu Bergambar at Sungai Jaong, Santubong. Retrieved from http://peterlee365.blogspot.com/2014/04/batu-bergambar-at-sungai-jaong-santubong.html
Chia, J. (2011). Santubong holds many Chinese historical facts. Retrieved from https://www.theborneopost.com/2011/09/12/santubong-holds-many-chinese-historical-facts
Guri, C.J. (2013). The legend behind mount Santubong. Retrieved from https://asianitinerary.com/the-legend-behind-mount-santubong-2/
Khalik, R.A. (2017, March 23). Bukit Maras dicantas, korbankan bukti sejarah tua Sarawak sejak abad ke-5. Sarawak Voice. .Retrieved from https://sarawak voicecom/2017/03/23/bukit-maras-dicantas-korbankan-bukti-sejarah-tua-sarawak-sejak-abad-ke-5/
Khalik, R.A. (2017, March 31). Serpihan seramik singkap sejarah Santubong. The Berita Harian Online.Retrieved from https://www.bharian.com.my/taxonomy/ term/1303/2017/07/266123/serpihan-seramik-singkap-sejarah-santubong
Santubong Village Extension and Archaeological Sites: The Need to Reconcile Development Needs and Heritage Conservation. (2017, April 20). Retrieved from http://sarawakheritagesociety.com/santubong-village-extension-and-arch aeological-sites-the-need-to-reconcile-development-needs-and-heritage-conservation/
Tan, G. (2013, September 19). Fruitful outing for members of local media. The Borneo Post Online. Retrieved from https://www.theborneopost.com/201 3/09/19/fruitful-outing-for-members-of-local-media/
Wan, K. A. (2013). Examining the Connection between Ancient China and Borneo through Santubong Archaeological Sites. In victor, H. M. (Ed). PA, USA: Sino-Platonic Papers. Retrieved from http://www.sinoplatonic.org/co mple te/spp236_china_borneo_santubong.pdf