An archaeological dig in western Thailand has uncovered a pair of gold rings near human bones, shedding light on ancient practices. The discovery was made at the Don Yai archaeological site, located approximately 80 miles southwest of Bangkok. According to the Thai Fine Arts Department, this site dates back to a late prehistoric era, approximately 1,500 to 2,500 years ago.
Significance of the Gold Rings
One of the gold rings features an inscription reading “pusarakhitasa,” translating to “the one protected by Pushya.” This script is written in Bhrami, an ancient Indian writing system. According to experts, the mention of Pushya refers to a highly auspicious zodiac sign in Indian astronomy.
The second ring is unadorned, leading experts to theorize that these artifacts may have belonged to a merchant from the ancient Indian caste known as the Vaishyas. This suggests a link between early trade routes and cultural exchanges between ancient India and Southeast Asia.
Additional Findings at the Site
The excavation at Don Yai has revealed more than just the gold rings. Archaeologists have also discovered eight human skeletons, various pieces of jewelry, pottery, and funerary artifacts believed to be associated with burial ceremonies for affluent individuals. These findings provide valuable insights into the social structures and practices of ancient Thai civilization.
- Number of human skeletons: 8
- Era: Late prehistoric, Iron Age
- Estimated date: 1,500 to 2,500 years ago
Future of the Excavation
The excavation at the Don Yai site is expected to conclude in August. The Thai Fine Arts Department plans to showcase these significant finds to the public in the future, providing an opportunity for further exploration of Thailand's rich archaeological heritage.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ArtNews. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
