Bangle types for Ban Chiang, Ban Phak Top, Ban Tong, and Don Klang

The typology created for the bangles found at Ban Chiang, Ban Phak Top, Ban Tong, and Don Klang is based on morphology. The primary criterion is cross-section shape. In all but four types the cross section shape is distinctly different from the other types. Types A and B and Types G and N differ only in the size of the cross section, not the shape.

The second morphological trait used in the typology is that of closure shape. There are four closure subtypes:
1. no closure: the bangle is closed (see Type B illustration).
2. overlapping ends (see Type A)
3. ends not touching; the bangle forms a C-shape (see Type C)
4. spiral-shaped
0. unknown: the bangle is fragmentary.

The main types are distinguished primarily by cross section shape. Subtypes are assigned according to closure shape. Thus the bangle seen in the illustration of Type A would be classified as a Type A-2.

A note on the type illustrations: most of the bangles were drawn at an angle, not as though the observer were directly above them.Thus the interior openings appear to be oval. In reality, almost all of the bangle openings were round.
A: round or slightly oval cross section
<0.7 cm thick (slender bangle)
B: round cross section >0.7 cm thick
C: flattened cross section oriented
horizontally, creating a disk-shaped
shaft configuration, with rounded
inside and outside edges.
D: flattened disk-like or rounded
wedge-shaped cross section,
with a shallow vertical ridge along
either the inside or the outside edge.
E: T-shaped cross section that combines
a disk with a band. The disk-like
flange extends outward from a
band along the inside of the bangle
next to the skin.
F: crescent cross section; concave
of crescent on inside surface
facing the skin.
G: band-like, flat or flattened oval cross
section oriented vertically; height of
bangle is less than the interior diameter.
H: rectangular or square cross section
I: triangular cross section. Lacks the
raised ridges found on Type D.
J: D-shaped cross-section, flat side along the inside surface against skin.
K:scalloped bangles, with irregularly
D-shaped cross sections; scallops
are on outside and top or bottom
surfaces and flat side is on the
opposite surface perpendicular to
wrist or ankle; may be worn in sets.
L: round, hollow cross section,
formed by wrapping a band of metal
in a tight spiral pattern.
M: V-shaped cross section, with apex
of the V on the outside surface.
N: very flat, thin, cross section oriented vertically,
resembling a cuff. Top to bottom height is
equal to or greater than the interior diameter.
O: irregular cross section
U: unknown