POTTERY AS PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE IN GUA KELEDUNG KECIL, NENGGIRI VALLEY, HULU KELANTAN

Abstract

This article is about the discovery of prehistoric pottery in Gua Keledung

Kecil, Nenggiri Valley of Hulu Kelantan. Numerous studies have focused

on prehistoric pottery in Malaysia, especially within sites like Gua Cha,

Gua Peraling, Gua Jaya, and Gua Kemiri located in the Nenggiri Valley

of Hulu Kelantan. However, these studies still do not provide complete

coverage of the region or the broader Malaysian context. Significant research

gaps still exist and need further exploration. This research, conducted in

2022, uncovered evidence indicating that pottery artifacts were widely

used by ancient populations and potentially point to trading connections

with distant communities. The research includes a comparative analysis of

manufacturing techniques, forms, and functions of pottery between Gua

Keledung Kecil and other archaeological sites in the Nenggiri Valley, Hulu

Kelantan. Furthermore, chemical analyses employing X-Ray Diffraction

(XRD) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques were utilized to

identify the mineral composition of the pottery and evaluate manufacturing

techniques, as well as trade relationships and external cultural influences.

Archaeological excavations at Gua Keledung Kecil successfully discovered

a total of 459 pottery artifact fragments, consisting of cord-marked and plain

patterns in various sizes and colors. The most abundant finds were cord

marked patterns, totaling 253 units, and plain pottery without decoration,

totaling 201 units. These pottery discoveries at Gua Keledung Kecil are

anticipated to generate fresh and deeper discussions regarding ancient

community lifestyles, fostering a more comprehensive understanding and

enriching the archaeological narrative in Kelantan and Malaysia.