Jottings from the Granite Studio

Tea & Gossip reports on a recently discovered 4000-year old stone workshop in the Lam Dong province of Vietnam. Over 100 tools–including axes and hoes–made of opal have been uncovered. The material presents researchers with an interesting mystery as opal mines are apparently rare in Southeastern Vietnam. An indication perhaps that the area was part of an early trading network?

T&G also has news about a dig along the Taimali coast in Taitung in southeastern Taiwan. Archaeologists from the National Museum of Prehistory have discovered five stone coffins between 1400 and 2200 years old. (Give or take a few centuries.) According to researchers, the find demonstrates the existence of an ancient settled community at the site.

Kudos to Tea & Gossip for, ahem, digging up and posting these fascinating stories.