NON-DESTRUCTIVE GPR ANALYSIS OF THREATENED ANGKORIAN CERAMIC KILNS AT BANGKONG, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Abstract

Pedestrian surveys have identified a large number of 9th century ceramic kilns to the north of the early Angkorian centre of Hariharalaya. Recent development in this area has put this archaeological site under threat. With a large number of kilns already destroyed before analysis, it was necessary to identify the sites for protection from further damage.

Since the defined areas showed little evidence on the surface, GPR surveys were conducted to find out what additional subsurface features could be used for classification. Using a 250MHz antenna system, the surveys were conducted over four kilns in varying state of preservation. The analysis included one definite and partly exposed kiln, and three potential kilns. Of the latter, one had been completely bulldozed, one partly destroyed and another one had remained undisturbed.

The geophysical surveys shows the possibilities to better define the extent of the kiln mound. 3D visualization of the data displays depth and extent of the fire box and ware chamber of this type of Khmer kiln, providing the opportunity to better outline the area to be protected. The survey serves as a successful sample case for the systematic non-destructive mapping of known and newly discovered kiln sites.