Archaeology Remains in West Sumatra Indonesia

Description

This data come from the study explores the archaeological potential of eighteen cities and regencies in West Sumatra, Indonesia, by documenting it we find a diversity, distribution, functions, and chronology of cultural heritage in west sumatra than this is also a notable findings which never been done by any other researcher before. Using a Cultural Resources Management framework, it compiles quantitative administrative data requested from regional governments, tabulates heritage lists with attribute variables, and develops an integrated database mapped through QGIS. A total of 884 heritage objects and sites are recorded, 735 formally designated by local regulations. The assemblage spans prehistory to post independence, with strong classical and colonial representations. Residential, public, and religious structures dominate. Findings reveal uneven distributions, data gaps, and coordinate inaccuracies., along with categories for unknown chronology, the classification chronologist made by the local government and it's still open for a future research. The dataset also categorizes sites by function, such as military facilities heritage, places of worship, schools, residential houses, public infrastructure, cemeteries, statues, inscriptions, and mining sites which is classifications by the researcher. For example, in Solok city and Solok district, the file lists mosques, colonial railway stations, traditional rumah gadang local traditional houses), and Islamic tombs, each with coordinates and period labels. Cingkuk island fort (16th century pre‑colonial Islam), and Dutch colonial mosques, while Sijunjung district records extensive Minangkabau classical houses, Islamic tombs, colonial tunnels, and Japanese‑era locomotives. Overall, the dataset file functions as a comprehensive archaeological inventory, combining spatial data (coordinates) with temporal classification to form a baseline database. This structure enables mapping of heritage distribution and supports future research into cultural trajectories, site management, and heritage conservation across West Sumatra.

Steps to reproduce

1. Research Design a. Adopted a reconnaissance survey methodology as the foundational step in archaeological research. b. Focused on identifying, recording, and classifying cultural heritage objects across 18 cities and regencies in West Sumatra. c. Aligned with the mandate of Law No. 11/2010 on Cultural Heritage, ensuring compliance with national heritage management standards. 2. Data Sources a. Primary data collection from local government offices and heritage management institutions in each city/regency. b. Field verification using GPS coordinates and site visits where possible. c. Archival references from local manuscripts, library rare book and prior archaeological reports. 3. Methods and Instruments Geospatial tools: a. GPS devices and Google Earth for recording precise coordinates. b. Mapping software (QGIS) for creating distribution maps. Documentation tools: a. Digital cameras for photographic records. b. Standardized recording sheets for object descriptions. Classification protocols: a. Chronological categorization into Prehistoric, Classical Minangkabau, Islamic (including pre‑colonial), Portuguese trade, Dutch colonial, Japanese occupation, Indonesian independence, and “Unknown.” b. Functional categorization into military facilities, places of worship, schools, residences, public infrastructure, cemeteries, statues, inscriptions, and mining sites. 4. Data Management Excel database created to store object names, coordinates, and classification. Cross-checking workflow: a. Each entry validated against local heritage registers. b. Duplicates removed and uncertain entries marked as “unknown.” Output: a. A consolidated dataset of 790 cultural heritage objects, mapped and classified. b. Distribution maps generated to visualize spatial patterns. 5. Reproducibility To replicate this research, future scholars should: a. Apply reconnaissance survey methods across the same administrative boundaries. b. Use GPS/Google Earth for coordinates. c. Follow the same chronological and functional classification scheme. d. Store data in a structured database (Excel or GIS-compatible). e. Produce distribution maps for comparative analysis.

Institutions

• Andalas University

  West Sumatra, Padang

Categories

Funders

• Andalas University

  West Sumatra, Padang

Licence