The Butuan Archaeological Finds: Profound Implications for Philippines and Southeast Asian Prehistory.

Beads and animal remains further attest to the thriving range of maritime activities in Southeast Asia during the pre- and protohistoric periods. Finds also include balangays, which attest to Filipino ingenuity in boat building and seamanship. With significant maritime trading taking place, a wide diversity of goods have been found, including large quantities of non-Philippine low- and high-fired ceramic shards from a variety of objects. The high-fired ceramics can be traced back to China, Thailand, Vietnam and the Middle East. Evidence of metal work has also been discovered, which was used to smelt iron, bronze and gold, all resources that were available in the vicinity of Butuan City.