Investigating the origins of carnelian beads from Tha Kae and Noen Din, Central Thailand

Abstract

In Central Thailand, as in other regions of the country, carnelian beads first appeared during the local Iron Age (c. fifth century BCE to fifth century CE). This research paper investigates the origins of carnelian beads recovered from the Iron Age layers at the sites of Tha Kae and Noen Din in Central Thailand, using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to trace the geological provenience of these beads, and systematic documentation of bead morphology and drilling techniques to understand their production. The findings indicate that none of these beads were made from the local Lopburi carnelian, while the shapes and manufacturing techniques of all these beads are South Asian. All beads from the earlier Iron Age layers were geologically sourced from the Indian Deccan Traps. In contrast, beads from the later Iron Age, or Proto-Dvaravati, layer may have been produced from carnelian sourced outside the Deccan Traps. This paper argues that during the earlier Iron Age, the carnelian bead trade in the Lopburi region was primarily associated with interactions with South Asia. During the Proto-Dvaravati period, this trade expanded to encompass more diverse regions that may have had direct or indirect connections with South Asia. Throughout the earlier Iron Age and the Proto-Dvaravati periods, emerging local elites appear to have exerted control over the carnelian-bead trade, utilizing beads containing foreign elements, such as raw materials, technologies, and shapes, as symbols of power and status.