Author:
Hawkins Stuart,Zetika Gabriella Ayang,Kinaston Rebecca,Firmando Yulio Ray,Sari Devi Mustika,Suniarti Yuni,Lucas Mary,Roberts Patrick,Reepmeyer Christian,Maloney Tim,Kealy Shimona,Stirling Claudine,Reid Malcolm,Barr David,Kleffmann Torsten,Kumar Abhishek,Yuwono Pratiwi,Litster Mirani,Husni Muhammad,Ririmasse Marlon,Mahirta ,Mujabuddawat Muhammad,Harriyadi ,O’Connor Sue
Abstract
AbstractThe insular region of Wallacea has become a focal point for studying Pleistocene human ecological and cultural adaptations in island environments, however, little is understood about early burial traditions during the Pleistocene. Here we investigate maritime interactions and burial practices at Ratu Mali 2, an elevated coastal cave site on the small island of Kisar in the Lesser Sunda Islands of eastern Indonesia dated to 15,500–3700 cal. BP. This multidisciplinary study demonstrates extreme marine dietary adaptations, engagement with an extensive exchange network across open seas, and early mortuary practices. A flexed male and a female, interred in a single grave with abundant shellfish and obsidian at Ratu Mali 2 by 14.7 ka are the oldest known human burials in Wallacea with established funerary rites. These findings highlight the impressive flexibility of our species in marginal environments and provide insight into the earliest known ritualised treatment of the dead in Wallacea.
Funder
Australian Research Council
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC