The ancient human settlement near West Papua has been a topic of fascination for researchers, as it provides valuable insights into the early history of our species. Recent research conducted on the Raja Ampat Islands has shed light on the migration patterns of early seafarers who crossed from Asia to the Pacific Islands, shaping the distribution of Homo sapiens across the planet.
The migration of these highly skilled seafarers had global significance, as they eventually became the ancestors of the people who inhabit the region today, from West Papua to Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the exact timing, location, and nature of these maritime dispersals have long been a mystery to archaeologists.
A groundbreaking study has now provided direct evidence that seafarers traveled along the equator to reach islands off the coast of West Papua over 55,000 years ago. The archaeological fieldwork conducted on Waigeo Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago represents a major international collaboration involving academics from New Zealand, West Papua, Indonesia, and beyond.
Excavations at Mololo Cave on Waigeo Island revealed several layers of human occupation associated with stone artifacts, animal bones, shells, and charcoal. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that humans were living at Mololo at least 55,000 years ago, making it one of the earliest known human settlements in the region.
One of the key findings of the excavation was a tree resin artifact dating back to the same period. This artifact, the earliest example of resin being used by people outside of Africa, highlights the advanced skills and adaptations early humans developed to survive in rainforest environments.
Analysis of animal bones found at Mololo Cave indicated that humans hunted ground-dwelling birds, marsupials, and possibly megabats. Despite the challenges of capturing small animals in the rainforest, early inhabitants of Waigeo Island demonstrated remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness.
The excavation at Mololo Cave not only provides valuable insights into the early human history of West Papua but also helps clarify the timeline of human migration into the Pacific region. The timing of this migration has significant implications for understanding how our species dispersed out of Africa to Asia and Oceania, as well as how early humans interacted with other species of hominins.
Two hypothetical seafaring corridors leading into the Pacific have been proposed: a southern route into Australia and a northern route into West Papua. The findings from Mololo Cave support the idea that the earliest seafarers crossed along the northern route into West Papua before eventually moving into Australia.
Despite the importance of understanding the ancient human settlement near West Papua, there is still much that remains unknown about the deep human past in the region. Limited research due to political and social crises has hindered archaeological investigations, but ongoing excavations aim to provide further insights into how early inhabitants adapted to changing climatic and environmental conditions.
Charting the archaeology of West Papua is crucial for understanding the origins of the wider Pacific population and how early humans adapted to living in a sea of islands. By studying the behaviors and adaptations of our ancestors, we can gain valuable lessons about resilience, sustainability, and the ways in which humans have shaped their environments throughout history.