Archaeological context of Prehistoric Period in Perlis

Perlis is the smallest state in Malaysia comprehend important heritage in the context of prehistoric period which can be highlighted as one of archaeo-tourism product and has not been exposed to the maximum. This article attempts to uncover archaeological sites and prehistoric artifacts in Perlis which indirectly reveal the importance of Perlis in the context of the development and the movement of prehistoric humans. The archaeological data show that Perlis already occupied by man since 5000 to 10,000 years ago. Findings such as ‘sumatralith’ stone tool prove the existence of “Hoabinhian” culture occurred in Perlis. The existence of Neolithic culture also has been found in the cave or rock shelter around Perlis which associated the culture with artifacts such as pottery, polished stone adze or axe and also stone ring. Cave around Perlis such as in Bukit Chuping, Bukit Tegun Lembu, Bukit Ngulang, Bukit Kerengga and Bukit Changkul also have been used as a burial site by the Neolithic people based on artifacts used as burial gifts which The existence of Neolithic culture also has been found in the Cave which contains Avaloketisvara and Bodhisattva images and also Buddhist credo shows that Perlis has contribute to the development of protohistoric period. Abundances of archaeological data in Perlis shows that Perlis was once a trade routes and paths used by prehistoric people who later evolved and expanded in term of socio-culture, economy, science and technology during protohistoric period.