Table Of ContentProtohistoric Archaeology and Settlement in Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia
David Kyle Latinis
National University of Singapore
2002
Protohistoric Archaeology and Settlement in Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia
David Kyle Latinis
(B.A.-Anthropology)
(M.A.-Anthropology)
(Ph.D.-Anthropology)
A Thesis Submitted
For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Southeast Asian Studies Programme
National University of Singapore
2004
Protohistoric Archaeology and Settlement David Kyle Latinis 2004
in Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia
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Name: David Kyle Latinis
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Southeast Asian Studies Programme
Thesis Title: “Protohistoric Archaeology and Settlement in Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia”
Abstract
Maluku played a major role in history for at least 2000 years as the sole source region of the
highly demanded spices, clove, nutmeg, and mace. However, historic documents from visitors and
indigenes emerge only in the 16th century or later. Few archaeological projects have been conducted in
Maluku to shed light on the protohistoric period. The purpose of this thesis is designed to explore the
late protohistoric period through archaeological data, especially the artifactual assemblages from a few
relatively large walled settlements possibly dating to the 8th-15th centuries. Factors relating to the
emergence, location and distribution of these sites are explored as well as factors possibly relating to
sites’ possible abandonment towards the end of the 15th century. Compositional studies coupled with
identification of foreign ceramics to known time periods indicate several local and extra-local exchange
spheres existed. New settlements appear to have emerged in the subsequent colonial period.
Continuities, changes and possible influential factors in the transition from protohistoric to historic
periods are also discussed.
Keywords: Maluku (Moluccas), Archaeology, Ceramics, Compositional Analysis, Protohistory,
Settlement.
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Summary
The following thesis highlights the results of field and laboratory research conducted on late
protohistoric period (ca. 8th-15th centuries) archaeological sites and archaeological assemblages from
Central Maluku, Eastern Indonesia. Chapter 1 introduces the study area and some of the problems and
hypotheses. Chapter 2 is intended to provide an extensive overview of past and present Maluku and
Malukan culture. It is a synthesis of much historical, archaeological, and ethnographic data. Chapter 3
summarize previous archaeology, important archaeological topics related to the thesis and a brief
prehistory of Maluku. Chapter 4 recounts survey and describes the fieldwork. Chapter 5 is devoted to
the ceramic assemblage description. Chapter 6 recounts the results of compositional studies conducted
on earthenware samples. Chapter 7 concludes with an overall assessment and brief discussion of some
transitional trends from the protohistoric to early historic period.
Perhaps more questions are provided than answers throughout the discussion. However, the
protohistoric period and protohistoric archaeology in Central Maluku remains in a state of infancy and
additional work is sorely needed, especially because Maluku played such a prominent role in world
history. Nevertheless, the results of the research helps shed light on an otherwise completely unknown
era and place. This research coupled with current investigations in places like Banda should be viewed
as a launching pad for future studies in the area rather than a definitive conclusion of the time period and
settlement patterns during the protohistoric period.
Large, stacked stone walled settlements with dense earthenware assemblages and sparse
foreign ceramics provide the bulk of the data. These sites seem to have lost their importance and were
likely mostly abandoned by the dawn of the historic period. The factors related to their emergence and
decline remain obscure, but at least they yield clues about Malukan protohistory and Maluku’s
connection to the larger world during arguably one of the most exciting periods in history.
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Acknowledgements
Firstly, I must give thanks to both my wife, Swee Chiang, and my daughter, Mina Marie.
Without their support and inspiration, none of this would be possible. I also wish to thank my friends,
Mike Dega, Mike Carson, Stan Tan, Shah Alam Mohammed Zaini, Roeland Stuelmeir, Pollie Bith,
Yunus Metiari, Yonki Tupamahu, Widya Nayati, Win Than Tun, Omar Chen, Dan Crosswell, Martin
Bazylewich the entire Arts Faculty Softball Team (perhaps the only sanity valve within a hundred mile
radius) and countless others that I cannot possibly list here for their continued support, comments,
insights, editorial suggestions, motivational techniques and interest. One could not ask for a more
capable and nicer group of friends. I am forever grateful and unquestionably the most fortunate person
around to know these people.
I would also like to thank the eight most inspirational anthropologists that I know in order of
meeting them or being inspired by their writings: David Frayer (University of Kansas), Alan Hanson
(University of Kansas), Bion Griffin (University of Hawaii), Douglas Yen (University of Hawaii), Peter
Bellwood (Australian National University), Matthew Spriggs (Australian National University), Roy
Ellen (University of Kent), and John Miksic (National University of Singapore). The combined genius
of these people is indescribable. If I am half of what any of these individuals are, I will have exceeded
ten times my expectations. To these individuals I am eternally thankful for inspiration, insight, and
direction. Any of my successes should certainly be attributed to them. Any of my failures are entirely
of my own making.
I must also thank my friends in Maluku and all the people of Maluku. Without you and your
knowledge I would be nothing. In many ways, all my successes have only been translations of your
cultural genius. These are troubled times and my heart goes out to those who are affected. I hope that
these troubled times will quickly dissipate. I have never felt more at home outside of my home than I
have in Maluku. I hope that I can soon experience such hospitality, relaxation, fun and security again. I
cannot thank you enough.
Lastly, I wish to thank the Henry Luce Foundation, National Science Foundation and the
National University of Singapore for their direct and indirect research support. Particularly, Prof Frank
Watt and Mr. Ng Tong Hoe (EDXRF lab) and Mr. Eugene He (Materials Science, SEM and XRD)
deserve great recognition and thanks for their help and support with compositional analyses conducted
on the ceramic assemblages.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Chapter 2: A Diachronic Background to the Environment, People and Relevant
History of Maluku 20
The Physical Environment and Human Factors Affecting the Physical
Environment 23
The People 38
Subsistence/Food Production and Settlement Implications 54
Other Issues Related to Current and Past Settlement 66
Settlement Types 70
Religion and Beliefs, Past and Present 80
Linguistics 83
Summary 85
Chapter 3: Introduction to Prehistory, Protohistory and Archaeology in Maluku 88
Brief Prehistory of Maluku 88
History of Archaeological Research in Central Maluku and Neighboring Areas 91
Further Considerations Regarding Archaeological and Ceramic Studies
in Central Maluku 97
Chapter 4: Survey, Site Description and Sampling 109
Luhu and the Hoamoal Peninsula 109
Piru 113
Lumoli and Hinterland 113
Lohiatala and Hinterland 113
Rambatu, Rumberu, Manusa and Hinterland 114
Sawai, Masihulan and Hinterland 118
Masohi 121
Gorom and Geser 121
Mamala, Morela and Hinterland 125
Kapahaha 126
Liang 128
Rahban 130
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Amaheru 130
Hila 131
Kaitetu 132
Haruku 132
Saparua 133
Buru 134
Hitu 136
Hitumessing and Hitulama 136
Tomu/Amatomu 136
Some Comments on Relevant Oral History and Further History
Surrounding the Tomu Site 149
Hatusua 152
The Hatusua Site 152
Further Survey and Sampling of the Hatusua Site 166
Hatusua Lama 170
Further Comments on Oral History and History
Surrounding the Hatusua Site 171
Summary 174
Chapter 5: Ceramic Assemblages 178
The Assemblages 178
The Clay 182
Production Techniques 183
Vessel Forms, Vessel Part Forms and Decoration Represented in Surface
and Excavated Assemblages 187
Discussion of Vessel Form and Decoration 203
The Excavated Hatusua Assemblage and the Tomu Samples 206
Further Discussion 214
Chapter 6: Compositional Studies 224
Amaheru, Kapahaha, Rahban, Buru, Dulak, Giru Gajah, Kataloka, Ondor
and Sri Kshetra 229
Tomu and Hatusua 235
Chapter 7: Conclusion 246
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References 256
Appendix A: Radiocarbon analyses reports CD
Appendix B: Reconstructed profiles from the Hatusua excavation CD
Appendix C: Video clips CD
Appendix D: Images of assemblages CD
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List of Figures
Figure 1a: Map of Southeast Asia 2
Figure 1b: Map of Central Maluku 2
Figure 2a: Bowen 1714 Map of Wallacea and New Guinea. 24
Figure 2b: Study Area in Central Maluku. 25
Figure 3: Sunda, Sahul, Wallacea, Central Lyddeker Region and Near Oceania. 27
Figure 4: Wallace’s Sketch of Dobbo. 34
Figure 5: Smith and Sharp map of site distribution. 58
Figure 6: Possible Evolutionary Trajectories of a Variety of Subsistence Systems
in the Region. 61
Figure 7a: Model 1-dusun/umur panjang systems with ‘active fallow’ phase. 62
Figure 7b: Model 2-kebun and umur pendek swidden systems with ‘passive fallow’ phase. 62
Figure 8: Tomu Field Plan of Northwest Section. 146
Figure 9: Plan View of Hatusua Excavation. 155-156
Figure 10a: Incised/Impressed Designs and Motifs from Sites in Ambon and Seram
Discussed in Text. 179
Figure 10b: Similar Forms of Earthenware Bases (Possible Lids) with Similar Incised/
Impressed Designs from Both the Hatusua and Tomu Sites. 180
Figure 10c: Unique Incised/Impressed Designs on Bases (Possible Lids) from the
AMQ 12 (Ambon), Tomu (Ambon) and Hatusua Sites. 181
Figure 11: Surface Images of Sherds from Select Sites in Central Maluku. 184
Figure 12: Unique Rim, Ring Foot and Sago Mold Designs/Forms from Various Sites. 189
Figure 13: Anglo Examples. 198
Figure 14: Unique Handles and Knobs from the Central Malukan Assemblages. 200
Figure 15: Possible Oil Lamp Fragments from the Hatusua Site, Seram. 201
Figure 16: A Few Unique Pieces from the Assemblages. 202
Figure 17: Rim Profiles from Sites Discussed in Text. 212
Figure 18: SEM Readout for Select Elements. 225
Description:Maluku played a major role in history for at least 2000 years as the sole source region of the highly demanded spices, clove, nutmeg, and mace. However, historic documents from visitors and indigenes emerge only in the 16th century or later. Few archaeological projects have been conducted in.
