Indonesia’s record of human activity spans one million years, while its territory covers an eighth of the earth’s equator, a 5,000-kilometre wide swath of space. Some of mankind’s oldest ancestors first walked in this lush environment. In the forests, seas and soils of the Archipelago, early Indonesians found a wealth of resources which they exploited to create rich artistic traditions. It is here that archaeologists discovered some of the oldest examples of Asian art. More than 2,000 years ago, the islands were linked in complex and cosmopolitan maritime trade networks. Ancient Indonesian civilisation constructed monuments and statues, which are among the masterpieces of world art. The gradual introduction of Islam beginning in the 13th century added further complexity and depth to Indonesian culture. This book presents a picture of the ancient historical unity, which underlies the unsurpassed cultural diversity of the world’s fourth most populous nation.

Editor: John Miksic
ISBN: 978-981-3018-26-6