42,000-Year-Old Evidence of Maritime Activities Discovered in Indonesia

New evidence of human occupation dating back 42,000 years in southeast Indonesia sheds light on the migration route taken by some of the first humans to arrive in the region. A study from The Australian National University (ANU) reveals that the discovery at Elivavan on Indonesia’s Tanimbar islands is significant due to its location near the ‘Sahul shelf,’ which includes modern-day Australia and New Guinea. Lead author and ANU Ph.D. candidate Hendri Kaharudin explains that the discovery provides crucial insights into prehistoric migration and the advanced seafaring skills required to cover vast distances.

The findings suggest that early ancestors may have arrived in Southeast Asia via a southern route passing near Timor and the Tanimbar islands. This discovery at Elivavan represents one of the earliest known sites along this southern path, adding an essential piece to the migration puzzle. The risky nature of sea crossings indicates that colonists had developed advanced maritime technology by around 42,000 years ago, as evidenced by artifacts and evidence of early maritime activities found at the site.

The research team anticipates uncovering more about early human life and migration patterns as additional work is done in lesser-explored regions like the Tanimbar islands. The colonization of Sahul was likely a gradual process involving successive waves of seafaring populations, facilitating cultural exchange and adaptation along the way. The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, provides valuable insights into ancient human migration and the development of maritime technology in the region.

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