The commission focuses on the study of human evolution, dispersals, and adaptations throughout prehistory in the Southeast Asian region. It aims to understand the past conditions of the region, which can play a significant role in our understanding of contemporary effects of environmental change, natural disasters, resource depletion, and problems connected to coastal management. The work of the commission is integral to the broader understanding of culture, economy, and environments.
Most of the Commission’s work falls under one of four main research themes. The choice of these themes is based on what we understand to be the unique features and research strengths of Southeast Asia. By focusing on these themes, we also facilitate linking up our region’s research interests with those of neighbouring research communities in China, Korea, Japan, South Asia, Australia and the Pacific. For example, Indonesia and China play a central role in current global studies on human evolution and hominid dispersals. The main research themes covered by the work of our Commission are:
- Human Evolution and Dispersals: The general theme of human evolution and human dispersal is directly connected to wider regional and global research interests; the specific topics of Austronesian dispersal and the peopling of Southeast Asia are very much centred on the region.
- Landscape and Adaptation: This theme focuses on the study of the complex relationship between humans and (palaeo-)environments. The Southeast Asia region is exposed to contemporary effects of environmental change, natural disasters, resource depletion and problems relating to coastal management. Our research on past conditions of the region can play a significant role in our understanding of these phenomena. At the same time it is also recognized that natural barriers play a significant role in the differences we observe between island and mainland environments.
- Regional Patterns in Technology, Subsistence and Symbolic Behaviour: This theme reflects the local nature of the region’s current knowledge production.
- Theory and Method: We recognize that a thematic focus aimed at addressing reflective research questions is needed in Southeast Asian archaeology. There is a need for the scholarly community in the region to further discuss a common appreciation of organizing knowledge throughout the time period of interest and to better synthesize data and analysis at a higher level of abstraction.
