SALT ARCHAEOLOGY AND SALT-MAKING PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD: PROPOSALS FOR THE CAN GIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, VIETNAM

Abstract

This article synthesizes archaeological findings related to salt-making practices studied at various prehistoric sites around the world, focusing on three key aspects: (1) types of containers used for salt-boiling, (2) tools that may have been utilized in the salt production process, and (3) salt-boiling stoves or seawater storage tanks. These findings are then compared with archaeological discoveries at several sites in Can Gio, Vietnam. The article hypothesizes that the Can Gio archaeological site may have served as a salt production area during the prehistoric period, with salt considered one of the important products that the ancient inhabitants of Can Gio might have used for trade with inland regions and other regional communities.