Reflections on the social and cultural aspects of the megalithic site of Onto, Bantaeng, South Sulawesi

Abstract

This paper presents the results from an archaeological survey of the megalithic site of Onto in Bantaeng, South Sulawesi. A variety of archaeological remains were found at this site including menhirs, incised stones, rings of stacked stones, stone tablets including a stone altar, dakon stones with circular impressions, royal installation stones, structural stone walls, and pottery (imported and locally made). The surface survey undertaken at Onto documented the boundaries and spatial structure of its cultural remains. The analysis of these remains produced descriptions of each type of artefactual material as well as interpretations of their meaning. This research adds to the available information on the role of Onto in the origins of the early historical kingdom of Bantaeng and to our understanding of settlements attached to megalithic culture in South Sulawesi.