gems, archaeology, archaeogemology, China, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam

Malleret presents the first volume of his major archaeological study of the Mekong Delta, devoted to the exploration and excavations of Oc-Èo in southern Vietnam, a principal archaeological center associated with the ancient kingdom of Funan. He describes the history of archaeological investigation in the delta, the identification and topography of Oc-Èo and neighboring sites, and the results of excavations and surface surveys, including architectural remains, canals and other landscape features, religious monuments, sculpture, ceramics, stone implements, and other finds. Particular attention is given to the extensive settlement remains and their relationship to the wider Transbassac region, providing the archaeological foundation for the subsequent volumes dealing with the material culture of Oc-Èo and the culture of Funan. The work comprises xii + 473 pages with 72 figures and a separate section of 97 plates.