Ancient Mariners Dominated Oceans Using Advanced Vessels Around 40,000 Years Ago, Research Indicates
The people of ancient Southeast Asia were exploring the vast expanse of the deep sea far earlier than previously believed, according to a new study. Researchers Riczar Fuentes and Alfred Pawlik from Ateneo de Manila University's department of sociology and anthropology suggest that seafaring in these waters began as early as 40,000 years ago.
In their study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, the scholars argue that early humans in this region were adept at constructing sturdy boats for both fishing and navigating the open ocean. The main challenge in proving this theory lies in the fact that these ancient vessels were likely made from natural materials that have since disintegrated, leaving no direct archaeological evidence.
However, the researchers were able to make deductions based on indirect evidence such as tools and the processing of potential boat-building materials. Microscopic analysis of stone tools from various archaeological sites revealed traces of plant fiber processing, specifically the kind required for making strong ropes and nets. This, coupled with the discovery of deep-sea fishing implements and the remains of tuna and shark in some sites, indicates a capacity for advanced seafaring and knowledge of migration routes.
The presence of large pelagic fish in these sites suggests that prehistoric Southeast Asians possessed the necessary skills to traverse vast distances and reach remote islands. The identification of fishing tools also indicates a need for durable cordage, further supporting the existence of sophisticated maritime technology.
These findings challenge the commonly held belief that early humans in this region were mere drifters, content with drifting on flimsy bamboo rafts. Instead, this research suggests that the prehistoric inhabitants of Southeast Asia were skilled navigators equipped with knowledge and technology to conquer the deep seas.
Moving forward, Fuentes and Pawlik are collaborating with naval architects to reconstruct these ancient vessels using the materials available to Stone Age Southeast Asians. Their goal is to better understand how these early seafarers managed ocean crossings without concrete evidence of surviving boats.
While the evidence behind this theory is indirect, it provides valuable insights into the enigma of how prehistoric peoples braved the deep seas to colonize islands throughout Southeast Asia long before the Polynesians arrived on remote Easter Island.
The future of this research involves collaborations with naval architects, aiming to reconstruct the ancient vessels using Stone Age materials. These reconstructions could help us comprehend the seafaring techniques of early humans.
The theory suggests that early inhabitants of Southeast Asia, including those prior to the Polynesians, possessed advanced technology and seafaring skills, enabling them to traverse vast ocean distances.
The discovery of deep-sea fishing implements, along with traces of plant fiber processing in stone tools, hints at the existence of robust cords and nets needed for seafaring.
Despite the disintegration of the original boats made from natural materials, the remnants of primitive technology, such as tools and fishing implements, offer clues to the Polynesians' predecessors' mastery of future technologies and science.
