Academic Sections

Academic Sections are divided into three sections, lead by curators as follows:

1. Archaeology

This section is responsible in conduction research of historical heritage as well as conserving the archaeological remains and historical resources.  Research is conduct based on findings of archaeological remains in the identified areas in this country.

With the implementation of the Antiquities and Treasure Trove Act (21 January 1967, revised 1984, 1991 and 2002), this enables the section to implement its objective effectively.

The archaeological activities focuses on the Brunei history ranges from the Proto-historical age up to 17^th century.  Among the important sites are Terusan Kupang, Kota Batu, Pulau Chermin and Sungai Lumut.  Terusan Kupang (10^th to 13^th Century) and Kota Batu (14^th to 17^th Century) are the most important sites and believed to have played an important role as the centre of the Ancient Brunei state.

This section also focuses on the Marine Archaeological field, which has shown a high potential evidence in this country.  Among the identified sites are Brunei River, Brunei Bay and South China Sea in the Brunei water.

This section has a total collection of about 3,000 items comprised pottery and porcelain wares from China, Thailand, Vietnam and Europe.  These include jars, plates, bowls, mugs, which are from the following types: blue and white, Celadon, white wares, Temmoku wares; of the Sung, Yuan, Tang and Ching Dynasty (10^th to 19^th Century) as well as Sawankhalok and Sukothai wares, and clay collection dated from 10^th to 17^th Century.

2.     Ethnography

This section is responsible in conducting research and collect cultural materials of Brunei indigenous communities mainly, the Brunei Malays, Belait, Kedayan, Dusun, Murut, Tutong and Bisaya, as well as other Borneo ethnic groups.  The main focus is the traditional way of life in the present day or in the past as well as changes occurred while facing the new modern environment.  Collected materials can be divided into 2 main categories: the tangible cultural material and the intangible – cultural material.  So far the section has collected 886 items of the intangible material, either on cassettes, research files and videos forms and about 13,909 items of tangible cultural material, i.e. comprised of items, made of copper, iron, silver and material of natural products, as well as products derived from animal, precious stones or gem stones etc.

This section is also contribute several articles and books based on their research and published in Brunei Museum's publication.

 3.     Natural History 

This section is responsible for research, conserving fauna and floral specimens, protecting wildlife and its habitat and to conserve natural environment relating to natural history in Brunei Darussalam.

Apart from preparing specimens for the National reference collection, this section also arrange some fieldwork.  Its purpose is to collect interesting biological stories to maintain the public’s appreciation for Brunei’s rich natural heritage in an increasingly urban population.  The studies have yielded not only natural history data but also information on how natural products were used in traditional lifestyles.

Long term surveys near the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan, monitor the number of Proboscis monkeys, and the phonological activity of mangrove plants.  Dragonflies, fresh water fishes and stingless bees have been as study group at Tasek Merimbun, a black water lake habitat designated by ASEAN Foreign Ministers as an ASEAN Natural Heritage Site.

The first collection of the section is Collard Scops owl - Otus bakkamoena  found in 19 July 1966.  Now hundreds of species collected including one world unique species found in Merimbun Heritage Park namely White Collared fruit bat - Megaerops wetmorei).  Recent collection is whale mammalia found stranded on Penanjung Beach, Tutong District dated 4 July 2002.

The section is also responsible for the implementation of Wild Life Protection Act, 1978 revised 1984.  Through this act, 4 habitats had been identified for the protection and conservation wildlife sanctuaries namely Pulau Siarau, Pulau Pilong-Pilongan, hutan bakau Pulau Berambang and Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park.  Tasek Merimbun Heritage Park is also identified as ASEAN Natural Heritage Site

The section is also responsible for assisting the Director of Brunei Museums, Management Authority under Convention on International Trades in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1992.

The section has compile opportunistic sightings of large marine animals from seafaring members of the Public.  This encourages volunteers to work with the natural history project.  Brunei Museums welcome collaboration with overseas scientists to further enrich our knowledge of Brunei’s Natural History.

The findings have been displayed in special exhibits (On the Wild Side [1994], Nature on Our Doorstep [1996] and published in books (Birds of Pelong Rocks [1996], common Seashore Life of Brunei [1996]), posters, note cards (Natural Heritage of Brunei Darussalam 1-24), and articles in the Brunei Museums Journal.  Lectures about work are delivered to school groups and organizations in Brunei and abroad to publicise the Brunei Museums current research and activities.

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©Brunei Museums Department  2002