An international team of researchers has made a finding that sheds new light on the expansion of modern humans towards the Pacific. Archaeological excavations in the Mololo cave, located in the Raja Ampat islands of Indonesia, have provided evidence of human occupation dating back more than 55,000 years, making it the oldest known site in the Pacific region.

The study, recently published in the journal Antiquity, was led by archaeologists Dylan Gaffney from the University of Oxford and Daud A. Tanudirjo from Gadjah Mada University. The findings challenge previous theories about when and how modern humans arrived in this part of the world.

The Raja Ampat islands, located off the northwestern coast of New Guinea, represent a key point on the northern route towards Sahul, the prehistoric continent that connected Australia and New Guinea. Until now, the oldest evidence of human presence in this region dated back to around 40,000 years ago. However, the new discoveries in the Mololo cave push that date back by at least 15,000 years.

Northern and southern routes through Wallacea, showing Mololo Cave on Waitanta. Inset A) seafaring simulations and chance of successful landing on Waitanta from nearby landmasses, based on averages taken from 1.5kt paddling at -30m and -50m sea levels (Table S6); Inset B) Waitanta shoreline and Mololo Cave at 50 000 years ago and at the Last Glacial Maximum (20 000 years ago) based on multibeam and GEBCO bathymetry data
Northern and southern routes through Wallacea, showing Mololo Cave on Waitanta. Inset A) seafaring simulations and chance of successful landing on Waitanta from nearby landmasses, based on averages taken from 1.5kt paddling at -30m and -50m sea levels (Table S6); Inset B) Waitanta shoreline and Mololo Cave at 50 000 years ago and at the Last Glacial Maximum (20 000 years ago) based on multibeam and GEBCO bathymetry data. Credit: Dylan Gaffney et al.

The researchers used a combination of dating techniques, including radiocarbon and uranium-series, to establish the chronology of the site. The most significant finding was a tree resin artifact, directly dated to more than 55,000-49,600 years of age. This object not only provides a firm date for human occupation but also offers information about the technological capabilities of these early Pacific explorers.

According to the researchers, the resin artifact shows evidence of complex multi-stage processing. This suggests that these early humans in the Pacific already possessed sophisticated skills in working with plant materials. The detailed analysis of the artifact revealed scraping and cutting marks, indicating that the resin was deliberately extracted from a tree and molded for specific purposes.

In addition to the resin artifact, the archaeologists found animal remains that suggest these early inhabitants exploited both terrestrial and marine resources. Bones of fruit-eating bats, land birds, and marsupials, as well as sea urchin spines and pelagic fish teeth, were identified. This indicates a diverse and adaptable diet, crucial for survival in these new island environments.

For the archaeologists, these findings demonstrate that the first humans who arrived in this region were not simply maritime specialists, as previously proposed. They were capable of utilizing a wide range of resources, both from the tropical forest and the sea.

Tree resin artefact (WAI-1-1024) from trench 2, directly dated to >55 000–49 620 cal BP: A) lateral side with rough surface texture; B) dorsal side with flat surface, chipping and minor scraping marks; C) ventral side showing parallel marks, possibly from scraping or the imprint of a scraped surface; D) lateral side with rough surface texture showing snaps. E illustrates a provisional hypothesis for the sequence of resin artefact production
Tree resin artefact (WAI-1-1024) from trench 2, directly dated to >55 000–49 620 cal BP: A) lateral side with rough surface texture; B) dorsal side with flat surface, chipping and minor scraping marks; C) ventral side showing parallel marks, possibly from scraping or the imprint of a scraped surface; D) lateral side with rough surface texture showing snaps. E illustrates a provisional hypothesis for the sequence of resin artefact production. Credit: Dylan Gaffney et al.

The excavations also provided valuable information about the paleoenvironment of the region. Isotopic analyses of the faunal remains suggest a mosaic of open and closed forests during the late Pleistocene, with an expansion of dense tropical forests after the Last Glacial Maximum, around 20,000 years ago.

To better understand how these early humans reached the Raja Ampat islands, the team conducted navigation simulations based on bathymetric and paleoclimatic data. These models showed that it was feasible to travel from more western islands like Halmahera and Obi to Raja Ampat, even with primitive navigation technology.

This study not only pushes back the date of human arrival in the Pacific, but also shows how adaptable and capable these early explorers were. They were able to navigate the open sea, settle on tropical islands, and exploit a wide range of resources, the researchers conclude.

The Mololo results have significant implications for our understanding of global human dispersal. They suggest that modern humans may have reached Sahul (Australia-New Guinea) through a northern route earlier than previously thought. This could explain the early dates of human occupation at sites like Madjedbebe in northern Australia, which have been the subject of debate in the archaeological community.

SOURCES

Gaffney D, Tanudirjo DA, Djami ENI, et al. Human dispersal and plant processing in the Pacific 55 000–50 000 years ago. Antiquity. Published online 2024:1-20. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.83

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