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Introduction

This event is based on a discovery of an important archaeological site in a tin mining area of southern Selangor in 1977. Initial investigations indicate that the mines near Kampung Jenderam Hilir represent the most productive prehistoric site in Selangor – the southernmost and longest ranging Peninsula site of the “post-Hoabinhian” period.

Recovered artefacts which have been tentatively assigned to the “Malayan Neolithic” include flaked, centred-edge, and shouldered adzes, a ‘Tembeling’ knife, a new axe form- the Dengkil Necked Axe, and grinding stones and slabs.

These finds derive from late Holocene alluvium at the confluence of the Langat and Semenyih Rivers in point bar and flood plain deposits, over-lying archeologically sterile, tin-bearing alluvium of an early Quaternary age.

Evidence indicates that initial riverside settlement was made close to the coast at a time of maximum Holocene sea transgression, represented below the adjacent coastal plain by widespread marine deposits. However, rapid progradation of the Langat-Kelang delta “stranded” the site in its present inland position.

Present evidence, including comparative archaeological data, suggests that the site was first settled by sea-faring immigrants at an early Neolithic cultural stage about 4000BP. They established the “Innovative Areal Tradition”, or so-called Malayan Neolithic Culture and may have introduced a primitive agriculture and stone querns that were used for pounding foodstuffs. The proximity of suitable clays appears to have facilitated establishment of a local pottery industry with a considerable variety in form and technique. 

The Langat waterway represented an important communications route and the Dengkil settlement probably developed as an important servicing centre for the large hinterland area as evidenced by the abundant boat remains, the import of exotic rock materials from headwater localities, and perhaps also the processing of tin concentrates, brought downstream from shallow mining areas. 

Programme

2.30pm Opening Remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr Mohamed Azam bin Mohamed Adil, Deputy CEO, IAIS Malaysia
2.35pm Presentation I/ Pembentangan I, Dr Daud Abdul Fatah Batchelor (Brian Batchelor), Visiting Fellow, IAIS Malaysia
3.05pm Presentation II/ Pembentangan II, Puan Intan Salina binti Idrus, Curator, Perbadanan Adat Melayu dan Warisan Negeri Selangor (PADAT)
3.35pm Interactive Session
4.30pm End of Programme

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