Bengkel alat batu zaman pleistosen pertengahan (70,000 tahun dahulu) 01 Kota Tampan, Lenggong, Perak.
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Date
2007
Authors
Mohd Isa, Hamid
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Abstract
A sistematic and controlled archaeological research was conducted at Kota
Tampan, Lenggong, Perak from September to Oisember 2005. The objective
of the research is to resolve a number of issues and problems relating to
chronometric dating, lithic classification and technology, and the
palaeoenviroment of Kota Tampan.
Two months of archaeological survey and excavation at KT 2005 revealed
evidence that the site was used as a palaeolithic stone tool workshop. The
excavation uncovered about 35,671 stone artefacts of the same period. The
assemblage was found in-situ in clear association in an undisturbed
stratigraphic layer.
Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating analysis carried out at the
Wolonggong University in Australia produced a date of 70,000 years ago for
the KT 2005 site. This dating thus placed KT 2005 as a Middle Pleistocene
site and resolved the chronometric dating for Kota Tampan and its place in the
chronological sequence of Malaysian and Southeast Asian prehistory.
Lithic classification conducted based on the artefacts found during the
excavation revealed similar typology and classification with KT 1987 (Zuraina
1989). The difference, however, was in the use of raw materials whereby
quartz was dominant compared to KT 1987.
The palaeoenvironment study provided new interpretation on Palaeolithic
adaptation. Based on the palaeoenvironment study, KT 2005 was a big
island during the Middle Pleistocene period and was a rich source of lithic raw
materials, fresh water, flora and fauna. The study has strengthened Zuraina
and Tjia (1988) and Mokhtar (1997a) interpretations that Kota Tampan was
influenced by the ancient Chenderoh lake, Perak river and its tributaries. The
study also debunked interpretation by Walker and Sieveking (1962) that Kota
Tampan was influenced by sea level cHanges.
In conclusion, this research has been able to answer issues relating to
chronometric dating, Kota Tampan palaeolithic stone tools classification, and
provided new insights into the palaeoenvironment of Kota Tampan and the
Lenggong Valley. It is hoped that this research will be able to contribute to
Malaysia as well as Southeast Asian Prehistory.
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Keywords
Zaman pleistosen