The Sarcophagus Museum has opened in Bali, in the Gianyar district. This event confirms Indonesia’s status as one of the world’s oldest centers of civilization.
Megalithic structures (literally “large stone” in Greek) have existed in different parts of the world. You have likely heard of Stonehenge in England, the Carnac stones in France, or the Moai statues on Easter Island. These structures were used by ancient people for various purposes—funerary, religious, and even astronomical—serving as evidence of the high level of organization in the societies that built them.
Scientists claim that the ancient civilization that left behind these sarcophagi may be one of the oldest in the world, potentially dating back 1.8 million years. Indonesia holds 60% of all ancient human discoveries made worldwide.
The museum in Bali showcases 33 large sarcophagi from various regions of the island, first collected by Indonesian archaeologist R.P. Soejono in 1958. These artifacts are considered crucial for a deeper understanding of the beliefs, norms, and structure of Bali’s prehistoric societies.
The presence of sarcophagi in Bali is closely linked to megalithic culture in other parts of Indonesia, including stone tombs in Sumba, rock burials in Toraja, and ceramic jar burials in Gilimanuk.
According to additional sources, Bali’s sarcophagi date from between 600 BCE and 800 CE and were used for the burial of nobles or tribal chiefs.
Contact: +62 361 942347
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
You can add one right now!