Social dynamics and local trading patterns in Bantaeng region, South Sulawesi (Indonesia) circa 17th century

Abstract

Bantaeng, South Sulawesi, has traditionally been a transshipment for spices. Two theoritical models applied to the analysis of interior trading patterns are the dendritic and the central place models. This study is designed to test whether one or the other of these models or a hybrid model, is more productive for gaining an understanding of local trading during the 17th century in a region characterized by an elevated topography and dendritic type of rivers which can not be navigated. This study will draw an historical records, archaeological data, ethnographic reserach to generate a convincing explanation for historic trends.