Pokekea Megalithic Site

The Pokekea Megalithic Site, located in the Behoa Valley within the Lore Lindu National Park, is a significant archaeological site known for its megalithic structures called kalambas. These large cylindrical stone vats served as communal funerary urns, likely reserved for the elite members of the society. The site features 27 kalambas adorned with decorative stone lids and assorted statues, including depictions of monkeys and lizards. The kalambas have been dated to between the 8th and 12th centuries CE, a period characterized by funerary practices involving cremation and teeth mutilation. The site's resemblance to the Plain of Jars in Laos highlights its cultural and historical significance, offering insights into the funerary customs of the region's ancient civilizations.