The ‘death jars’ of Laos continue to intrigue
The so-called “death jars” of Laos could be more widespread than previously thought.
Australian archaeologists and Lao Government officials have reported discovering 15 new sites containing 137 of the massive stone jars, which are believed to be around 1000 years old.
Experts believe the jars are related to disposal of the dead, but nothing is known for sure about their original purpose or the people who brought them there.
“These new sites have really only been visited by the occasional tiger hunter,” says ANU’s Nicholas Skopal. “Now we’ve rediscovered them, we’re hoping to build a clear picture about this culture and how it disposed of its dead.”
