Museum Treasures of Southeast Asia tells the story of the material cultures of this region through historical artifacts from the permanent collections of the national museums of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, the ten countries which make up the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Through historical objects created in stone, metal, clay, and fiber, this book traces the history of Southeast Asia back to the origins of man in the region, through the area's stone and metal ages, through the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, and dynasties, to the evolution and birth of independent nation states, and the eventual formation of ASEAN. Diverse as Southeast Asia is ethnically, culturally, climatically, religiously and politically many common traits exist throughout the region, arising out of the shared histories of the many parts, the commerce between them, and the rise and fall of regional civilizations, empires, kingdoms, and polities. These commonalities shared by the countries and the people of the region form the basis of ties that have spanned centuries and which still exist today. Museum Treasures of Southeast Asia investigates these common roots of the Southeast Asian identity to its origins and early influences through the evolution of local, indigenous cultures. This publication presents a uniquely Southeast Asian perspective on the cultural history of the region. It is an endeavor that has brought together the efforts of various people across Southeast Asia. It captures the bonds of kinship found across this vast and varied region and also reflects the spirit of unity that the ASEAN as a group embodies while demonstrating the strong cultural ties that unify the countries of Southeast Asia.

Lavishly illustrated, Museums of Southeast Asia is a guidebook to the collections, history and architecture of the region's museums. The book's detailed content, supplemented by easily accessible key facts, represents a "virtual tour" of each of the museums. It is an up-to-date, comprehensive and useful reference guide for visitors planning their trips to Southeast Asia and for armchair travelers seeking to broaden their knowledge of the region.

Part adventure story, part maritime archaeological expedition, part historical look into ninth-century Chinese economy, culture, and trade, Shipwrecked is a fascinating journey back in time. Twelve centuries ago, a merchant ship—an Arab dhow—foundered on a reef just off the coast of Belitung, a small island in the Java Sea. The cargo was a remarkable assemblage of lead ingots, bronze mirrors, spice-filled jars, intricately worked vessels of silver and gold, and more than 60,000 glazed bowls, ewers, and other ceramics. The ship remained buried at sea for more than a millennium, its contents protected from erosion by their packing and the conditions of the silty sea floor. Shipwrecked explores this precious cargo and the story of the men who sailed it, with more than 250 gorgeous photographs and essays by international experts in Arab ship-building methods, pan-Asian maritime trade, ceramics, precious metalwork, and more.

A fresh and exciting exploration of Southeast Asian history from the 5th to 9th century, seen through the lens of the region's sculpture

Every year millions of people travel to Southeast Asia for business or pleasure. Here, in one handy paperback volume, they can find a beautifully illustrated guide to 30 of the region's most interesting and unusual museums. Encompassing art, history, ethnographic, and military collections, and ranging from the national museums of Cambodia and Malaysia to relatively unknown treasures such as the Tribal Museum in Chiang Mai, Thailand, these repositories reflect the rich diversity in the cultural heritage of the area. All of the museums are located in major cities or at archaeological sites frequently visited by tourists. Along with a map showing the location of each museum, travelers will find addresses, telephone numbers, and days and hours of admission. The accessible format and compact size makes this the practical guidebook for tourists, while the engaging and informed text serves as a lively introduction to the culture, art, and history of this vibrant region.