archaeology

Plaosan Temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for her wife, Pramudyawardani. The architect of the temple that is located in Bugisan village of Prambanan sub-district is combination of Hindu and Buddha.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, namely the North Plaosan Temple and the South Plaosan Temple. Both of the temples have square terrace that is encircled by wall, a pillbox for meditation at the west part and dome on other side. Because of that similarity, the appearance of both temples are the same when they are seen from distant so that Plaosan temple is also called the twin temples.

The North Plaosan Temple has middle courtyard encircled by wall with the entrance at the west side. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a hall as wide as 21.62 m x 19 m. At the eastern part of the hall, there are 3 altars, namely north, east and south altars. The pictures of Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and Aksobya are at the east altar. Samantabadhara statue and Ksitigarba figure is at the north altar, while Manjusri picture is at the west alter.

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Intangible Cultural Heritage, as defined by the UNESCO Convention, consists of non-physical characteristics, practices, representations, expressions as well as knowledge and skills that identify and define a group or civilization.

This category includes the following cultural manifestations:

    * oral traditions and expressions, including language as a vehicle of the intangible cultural heritage;
    * music, dance, drama and other performing arts
    * social practices, rituals and festive events;
    * knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe;
    * foods and clothing
    * and traditional craftsmanship

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"A Cahokia Market" By Michael Hampshire Courtesy of Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site Collinsville, Illinois

Spiro Stone Ear Spool. D:3" Le Flore Co., OK

The artifacts on virtual display were specifically chosen for their exceptional quality, representative style and remarkable workmanship. They are each among the finest known in either public or private collections. Because the Mississippians lived throughout what is now the Midwest and Southeast United States, artifacts from each of our corresponding modern states are represented here. Although the Mississippian Moundbuilders knew no state boundaries as we do today, it can be gratifying to realize that superb artifacts were found in our own proverbial backyards.

Each of the featured artifacts have been organized into categories including pottery, pipes, hardstone, discoidals, flint (both points and implements), ear ornaments, shell ornaments and beads. Although the Moundbuilders shared cultural affiliations with one another throughout the Midwest and Southeast United States, artifacts were not uniformly manufactured by style or materials. Local materials often varied despite widespread trade. For instance, Mill Creek and Kaolin cherts were commonly used in Illinois for the manufacture of flint implements. By contrast, Dover flint was more commonly used in Tennessee and Kentucky. That does not mean that materials were not traded. They were. However, artisans tended to use local materials rather than exotic materials from distant sources.
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