TWO research teams – each from the Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Global Archaeology Research Centre (USM-PPAG) and the National Heritage Department – with additional support from volunteers from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will be involved in Phase Four of the excavation at the Bukit Choras archaeological site in Yan, Kedah.
Speaking to Buletin Mutiara today, USM-PPAG researcher Dr Nasha Rodziadi Khaw said the Phase Four excavation is expected to resume next year.
Leading the research team, he noted that this phase would include a collaboration with the National Heritage Department.
“We anticipate starting the excavation works in the second quarter of next year.
“This phase is crucial for uncovering new artefacts and furthering our understanding of the site,” said Dr Nasha at USM-PPAG.
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the Federal Government, the Kedah government, and various corporate bodies for their funding contributions.
The USM-PPAG team will comprise 15 members, including lecturers, science officers, technical staff, and students.
Dr Nasha elaborated on the project’s history, noting that research at Bukit Choras began in 2017.
“From 2017 to 2020, we focused solely on geophysical surveys to detect buried artefacts. These surveys indicated significant findings even before the excavation began,” he said.
He mentioned that Phase One of the excavation commenced in September last year, revealing a Buddhist temple structure dating back approximately 1,200 years.
“This phase also uncovered two well-preserved life-sized stucco statues with architectural similarities to artefacts from the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom found in Sumatra and West Java.
“Phase Two, which began in February this year (2024), extended the excavation to the north and south of the site.
“Meanwhile, the third phase, conducted between April and May, unearthed a near-complete life-sized Buddha figure in a meditative pose, about 1.5 metres tall. This phase also revealed Sanskrit inscriptions and other relics.
“The artefacts have been transported to the USM-PPAG laboratory for detailed conservation and analysis. There is still much to explore at Bukit Choras.
“These discoveries will provide valuable insights which enable us to review the historical narratives written by Western historians,” Dr Nasha concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud