Digging Deep: A Journey into Southeast Asia's Past by Charles Higham (review)

Charles Higham's 'Digging Deep: A Journey into Southeast Asia's Past' offers a unique insight into the archaeological significance of Ban Chiang. The book highlights the site's pivotal role in understanding the origins and development of agriculture in Southeast Asia, a region often overlooked in global prehistoric studies. Higham recounts his experiences, beginning with early excavations in Europe and transitioning to groundbreaking work in Thailand, where he collaborated with notable figures like Chet Gorman. His research at Ban Chiang and nearby sites, such as Ban Na Di, focused on unraveling the complex arc of human development, including the emergence of metallurgy and complex societies. Higham's approach combined traditional archaeological methods with a deep engagement with local researchers, fostering cross-cultural collaboration that advanced the field's understanding of Southeast Asian prehistory.

O’Reilly, D. (2023). Digging Deep: A Journey into Southeast Asia’s Past by Charles Higham (review). Asian Perspectives, 62(2), 245–248. https://doi.org/10.1353/asi.2023.a909236