Archaeology of Southeast Asia in the Works of Russian Researches: Problems, Projects and Perspectives

Against the background of the rich scientific contribution of Russian ethnographers, historians and politologists to the study of traditional and modern culture of the peoples inhabiting Southeast Asia, the experience, geography and thematic accents of Russian archaeology so far are presented and voiced in an appropriate form not so properly. In this paper, "scientific contribution" means its broad content – not only the acquisition of new materials and new knowledge, but also its significance for the development of the scientific field (Russian archaeology) as a whole, the forms of organization and implementation of scientific researches (expeditions, work with collections, analysis of literature), the effectiveness of their use by different generations of specialists, incorporation to the system of formation of scientific stuff and improving their qualifications on the example of specialization of students of Novosibirsk State University. The authors provide a general overview of the history and development of this trend in Russian archaeology from the end of the XIXth century to the present time, focus on the most important publications and activities of individual specialists, and also turn to significant projects of recent decades related to new themes (Neolithic, burial practices, megalithic complexes). As a result of the review, confidence is expressed in the perspectives of further researches on the archaeology of Southeast Asia, taking into account such important factors as the development of student specialization, strengthening and expanding the circle of contacts with colleagues from the countries of the region, as well as consolidating the efforts of Russian specialists in archaeology, ethnography, history and cultural studies.