On Prehistoric Burial Methods in Indonesia – Archaeological researhes brought forth evidences of burials which dated far back into prehistoric periods. The First formal report on a find of a prehistoric grave in the eastern part of java was submitted by J.B Hubenet, an official of the State Railways, to the <<Bataviaasch Genootschap>> (<Batavian Society>) early this century (Hubenet, 1930). The Grave was disclosed during the contruction ofa railroad. But it was known since long. that destructions of ancient graves have been executed by local inhabitants immediately after accidental discoveries have been done without the knowledge of the local authorities. Contents of graves except of broken or pulverized sekletons fell into the hands of villagers who maintain the most curious object or otherwise grave goods came to hand of collectors to became finally a part of museum or private collections.
Baca juga : Gurah, The Link Between The central and The east-javanese arts
since systematic prehistoric research was attempted about 1920, much attention has been drawn to burials which were found in the course of intensive investigations. results either of systematic excavations or of illegal diggings gave proofs of funeral methods followed by groups of peoples during successive stages of prehistoric period.
The material composed for this paper is based on informations reported to the Archaeological Institute and on results of previous investigations published in various scientific journals as well as result of the author’s own researches which are partly in a preparatory stage of publication.