Around 1970, pieces of pottery were found near the village of Ban Chiang during large-scale excavations. They were beautifully decorated with elegant cords, the so-called "cord marked patterns". They can be dated back 7000 years. Weapons and various tools were dug up as well. The findings of the excavations give evidence that there has been a prehistoric settlement from 3600 BC until 200 AD on the Khorat plateau where the present-day village of Ban Chiang is nestled. The area was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1992.
The present-day inhabitants migrated from Laos only about 200 years ago. The people living here before ate rice and since 1700 BC they used bronze tools that were cast in sandstone moulds. This was an archaeological break-through, because until then the scientists assumed that the oldest civilisation in Asia and maybe even the "cradle of humanity" was in China. However, the findings of these excavations give the clear evidence that the Ban Chiang civilisation predated it.
Parts of the finds are displayed in a brilliant museum which is very informative and even shows English labels. The exhibition on the ground floor gives an overview of the excavation findings, particularly the bronze works as well as the development of ceramics, the use (in the earlier periods for funeral urns for children and for burial gifts) and the methods of decoration and workmanship. The second floor houses an exhibition on the history of the excavations. A display of an example of a traditional village in the Northeast ”Present-Day Ban Chiang” serves as a counterpoint to the historic findings. More excavation finds are shown in an adjoining building, however the presentations are less interesting. During the season, the museum is open daily from 8.30 h – 17 h, entrance 30 baht.
Visitors can tour the excavation site at Wat Po Sri Nai. The ceramics, animal and human bones are still at their original place at various levels. Entrance fee 30 baht. It is worthwhile to make a stop on your way to Ban Chiang in Ban Kham-Oo situated at KM 49 on the main road to Sakon Nakhon. According to traditional methods large jars, pots and vases are made without using potter's wheel and they are being dried at the road side. In hard labour the clay is beaten in the right shape with a wooden mallet. The ceramics are colourfully painted in the village of Ban Omdaew, located just before Ban Chiang.
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