Archaeology and Narratives on Monuments and Buried Archaeological Sites: Cases from Southeast Asia and Japan

TASHIRO Akiko

In monument conservation in Southeast Asia, research and conservation activities have historically centred on the monuments themselves. It is now recognised as essential in heritage management to consider how the past is perceived by present society, and to include the narratives of local communities. In this study, whilst tracing the historical records of monument conservation at sites such as Borobudur and the Angkor Archaeological Complex, the study examines how local narratives are promoted and included in the present regarding both visible monuments and underground archaeological sites. The study reveals that narratives on monuments and buried archaeological sites often diverge, and this discrepancy affects the management of the site. Whilst some believe that ‘living’ means establishing a connection with the site and making active use of it, others hold the view that ‘living’ lies in reviving its original significance – that is, restoring the site to its former function as it was, such as a temple or sanctuary. Archaeology plays an important role in revealing prehistory. The Jōmon prehistoric sites in Japan faced challenges in establishing “JOMON forest” within these areas, and now local narratives show that the sites are sometimes recognised as naturally preserved forests. Local narratives containing layers of memory often challenge archaeological interpretations of the site, particularly in the case of underground archaeological remains.