New discovery adds to story of ancient human migration

22 Jul 2024

New evidence of human occupation in southeast Indonesia dating back 42,000 years offers fresh clues about the route taken by some of the first humans to arrive in our region, according to a study from 黑料天堂 (ANU). 

Lead author and 黑料天堂PhD candidate Hendri Kaharudin said the location of the discovery -- at Elivavan on Indonesia鈥檚 Tanimbar islands -- makes it especially significant.  

鈥淭animbar is located just off the 鈥楽ahul shelf鈥, which encompasses modern-day Australia, as well as New Guinea,鈥 he said. 

鈥淭he question of how our early ancestors arrived there from Southeast Asia is one of the most captivating in prehistoric migration, mainly because of the vast distances covered and advanced seafaring skills that would have been required. 

鈥淭here are two main routes that have been explored as possibilities since the mid-20th century 鈥 a northern path via islands like Sulawesi, and a southern track passing near Timor and the Tanimbar islands. 

鈥淭his discovery marks one of the southern route鈥檚 earliest known sites, making it a crucial piece of the puzzle.鈥   

According to the researchers, while there are still unanswered questions about Elivavan鈥檚 first inhabitants, the risky nature of the sea crossings suggests the colonists had developed advanced maritime technology by around 42,000 years ago. 

鈥淭hey would have had to traverse bodies of water exceeding 100 kilometres in distance, regardless of their direction of travel,鈥 Mr Kaharudin said.  

鈥淎long with tiny fragments of pottery we also found evidence of things like bones, shells and sea urchins that point to the island鈥檚 role as a hub for early maritime activities. 

鈥淎s more work is done in lesser-explored regions like the Tanimbar islands, I expect we鈥檒l uncover more about early human life and migration patterns.鈥  

Mr Kaharudin said it鈥檚 also clear the colonisation of Sahul was not a single event but 鈥渁 gradual process involving successive waves of seafaring populations鈥.  

鈥淐oastal communities likely navigated shorelines, exploiting marine resources and establishing resilient settlements along their journey,鈥 he said. 

鈥淭his island-hopping strategy facilitated cultural exchange and adaptation, shaping diverse societies across the land mass.鈥 

The study was conducted in collaboration with Indonesia鈥檚 National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The research team also included Professor Sue O鈥機onnor and Dr Shimona Kealy from ANU.  

The research has been published in

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