Domestic Pigs

 The mystery of how pig domestication began in each area of the world still goes unsolved (did they begin in one area? How did the idea spread?). However, it is known that Southeast Asia was a very important center for these animals. Studies show that eating pork in this area of the world was ritualized. In Egypt, the pig was often associated with an evil god. Some think that Egyptians would use the pigs as bait to divert his evil spirit away from their homes. Religious ideas and practices similar to these have been found in many areas around these parts of the world. Clearly, the pig was an important part of several civilizations.

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Swidden Agriculture

 By 2000 B.C.E, the Malay peoples in Southeast Asia had begun practicing swidden agriculture. This type of farming begins by slashing and burning a plot of land to prepare it for agricultural use. Once the farmer is done using this land, he switches to a new area and begins the process again. Eventually, his original land will regrow again, and he can return. Once again, he goes about the process of burning and weeding his field. As you can see, this was a constant cycle for the Malay peoples. Even today, swidden agriculture is the dominant form of farming in Southeast Asia.

Click here for details on the processes of Swidden Agriculture.

Newly burnt land