Laos Jars Held Ancient Remains

Archaeologists in northern Laos discovered the remains of at least 37 people inside a large stone jar. The jar, located about 70 kilometers northeast of Phonsavan on the Xieng Khouang Plateau, is over two meters across and appears to have served as a multigenerational burial site. This finding supports the theory that the “Plain of Jars” is a vast ancient burial complex dating from the 9th to 13th centuries A.D.

Previous excavations revealed bones or ashes in a few jars, but the purpose of the thousands of stone vessels remained unclear. Researchers suggest the bones underwent a secondary burial, possibly after initial decomposition in smaller jars nearby. The discovery validates earlier work by French archaeologist Madeleine Colani in the 1930s, who proposed a funerary function for the jars.

However, the location of the settlements for the people buried in the jars remains unknown. The region has been difficult to study due to unexploded ordnance from the Vietnam War, though clearance efforts have allowed for renewed archaeological work since the 2000s. Investigations continue to refine understanding of the burial practices and the people who created the Plain of Jars.