Skilled seafarers from Asia made significant migrations to the Pacific Islands in the distant past, shaping the distribution of Homo sapiens across the globe. These mariners are the ancestors of present-day inhabitants of the region, from West Papua to Aotearoa New Zealand. However, the exact details of these maritime dispersals have remained unclear for archaeologists. A new study has now provided direct evidence that seafarers traveled along the equator to reach islands off the coast of West Papua over 50,000 years ago.
The research was conducted through archaeological fieldwork on Waigeo Island in the Raja Ampat archipelago of West Papua. This collaboration involved academics from New Zealand, West Papua, Indonesia, and other countries. Excavations were focused on Mololo Cave, a large limestone chamber surrounded by rainforest. The cave revealed several layers of human occupation, including stone artifacts, animal bones, shells, and charcoal. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that humans were living at Mololo at least 55,000 years ago.
One significant finding was a tree resin artifact, the earliest example of resin being used by people outside of Africa. The artifact was produced in multiple stages, indicating the complex skills developed by humans to live in rainforests. The function of the artifact is unknown, but it may have been used as a fuel source for fires inside the cave. Animal bone analysis suggested that people hunted ground-dwelling birds, marsupials, and possibly megabats, showcasing their adaptation and flexibility in challenging rainforest conditions.
The Mololo excavation sheds light on the timing of human migration into the Pacific and its implications for the dispersal of Homo sapiens out of Africa. It also provides insights into the interactions between humans and other species, such as the extinction of Oceanic megafauna and the presence of other hominin species like Homo floresiensis. The study supports the idea that the earliest seafarers crossed along the northern route into West Papua before moving down into Australia.
Despite the research, there is still much to learn about the deep human past in West Papua due to limited archaeological research caused by political and social issues in the region. Ongoing excavations aim to provide further information about how people adapted to climatic and environmental changes in the area. Understanding the archaeology of West Papua is crucial for comprehending the origins of the wider Pacific population and their ability to adapt to life in a sea of islands.