Sungai Jaong & Bongkisam, Santubong (Sarawak)

Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam, Santubong

Iron ore discoveries at Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam, Santubong, and the discovery of artifacts.

Source: https://sarawakheritagesociety.com/unearthing-more-of-santubongs-mysterious-distant-past/

   Santubong has a lot of significant heritage tied to its name and it has a lot of history. Sungai Jaong & Bongkisam is one of the archaeological sites that can be found in Sarawak, with deep roots to the iron smelting industry. These sites were discovered and was partly excavated in the 1950s and 1960s. The sites were defined as an outstanding archaeological site due to a few a reasons, one of them is that the sites revealed large quantities of remains related to iron-reduction processes, which there are still gaps in archaeologist knowledge in South East Asia for the period under study, the 10th - 11th centuries and even earlier. The remains are associated with the probable remnants of habitats, including Chinese ceramics. Sungai Jaong and Bongkissam, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, have provided valuable insights into the discovery of iron and associated artifacts, shedding light on the technological advancements and socio-economic aspects of ancient communities.

Batu Bergambar at Sungai Jaong, Santubong

The iconic sandstone Batu Bergambar (Picture Rock) with a human form has become a tourist attraction.

    Archaeological excavations at Sungai Jaong and Bongkissamhave revealed evidence of iron production activities, including furnaces, slag, and ironworking tools. These discoveries indicate that the ancient inhabitants of the region were engaged in iron smelting and metalworking, producing tools, weapons, and other iron artifacts. The presence of iron in these sites highlights the technological achievements and skillsets of the past societies in Sarawak.

 

The Findings of Iron Ores

The discovery of iron and associated artifacts is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the technological capabilities of ancient communities. Ironworking represents a crucial advancement in material technology, enabling the production of more durable and efficient tools. Studying the iron artifacts and their craftsmanship helps archaeologists understand the level of knowledge, skill, and innovation achieved by the ancient ironworkers.     

    Secondly, the presence of iron artifacts informs our understanding of the economic activities and trade networks of the past. Iron objects were valuable commodities, and their distribution can reveal patterns of trade, exchange, and interaction among different communities. By analyzing the distribution of iron artifacts and studying their raw materials, archaeologists can reconstruct ancient trade networks and explore the economic relationships of the region.

 

    Thirdly, studying the discovery of iron and associated artifacts helps archaeologists reconstruct the social and cultural aspects of ancient societies. Iron objects have functional and symbolic significance, and their use can provide insights into various aspects of daily life, including subsistence, agriculture, craftsmanship, warfare, and social hierarchy. By examining the contexts in which iron artifacts are found, archaeologists can interpret the social, economic, and cultural implications of ironworking in the past.

 

 In summary, the discovery of iron and associated artifacts at Sungai Jaong and Bongkissam provides valuable insights into technological advancements, trade networks, and socio-cultural aspects of ancient societies. Archaeologists study the past to understand human history, preserve cultural heritage, answer research questions, and inform present and future decision-making processes.