Stuart Hawkins, Gabriella Ayang Zetika, Rebecca Kinaston, Yulio Ray Firmando, Devi Mustika Sari, Yuni Suniarti, Mary Lucas, Patrick Roberts, Christian Reepmeyer, Tim Maloney, Shimona Kealy, Claudine Stirling, Malcolm Reid, David Barr, Torsten Kleffmann, Abhishek Kumar, Pratiwi Yuwono, Mirani Litster, Muhammad Husni, Marlon Ririmasse, Mahirta, Muhammad Mujabuddawat, Harriyadi, Sue O'Connor
The 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...
January 2, 2024: Scientific Reports