New book shows Sohpetbneng’s Neolithic link

SHILLONG: Archaeological exploration at Lawnongthroh village on the northern slopes of Sohpetbneng hill in Ri Bhoi district reveals an array of records left behind from an ancient settlement. Through a systematic archaeological excavation, which was recently conducted in the northern part of the ridge of Lawnongthroh village, the antiquity of human occupation of the hill can be traced back to the Neolithic period.
A new book, Ka Thymmei Lariti Bad Ka Khana Pateng u Lum Sohpetbneng, released by Sumar Sing Sawian on Saturday, delves into the facts of the archaeological findings.
A vantage point of reference for cultures to interact with their past, Sohpetbneng, survived in the people’s memory as a ‘cradle’ of culture and a symbol of ‘identity’ for the Khasi-Pnar community of Meghalaya.
The book attempts to show Sohpetbneng hill’s transformation from a ‘profane’ to a ‘sacred’ landscape.
The team of experts who did the excavation work comprised of Professor Desmond Kharmawphlang of the Folklore Department in NEHU, Marco Mitri, archaeologist and H. Syiemlieh of the Geography Department at NEHU.