Shell Mound Investigation at Guar Kepah (Penang, Malaysia) Using2-D Resistivity Imaging for Archaeological Study

Abstract

Recent finding of “Penang Woman” skeleton in Guar Kepah, Penang, Malaysia has triggered researchers to discover more archaeological remains inside the area. Some part has been excavated, exposing some shell mound where the skeleton was found. It is believed that the shell mound remarks the burial place of people in early age civilisation. More excavation processes need to be conducted in the area to see if any more skeleton, monument and pottery could be found. 2-D resistivity method was carried out in the study area to determine resistivity value of shell mound and locate another possible shell mound. Pole-dipole array was used along four survey lines where one of the survey lines is conducted on the existing shell mound while the rest are on undisturbed ground in the study area. The data were processed by using Res2Dinv software. The results show that the resistivity value of the exposed shell mound is within the range of 100 Ωm to 200 Ωm. This value was used as the reference in predicting possible shell mound on the other survey lines. Some part of the other survey lines shows the same resistivity value as the existing mound. Therefore, it can be predicted as shell mound.