Early modern human lithic technology from Jerimalai, East Timor

Area of Science:

• Archaeology
• Paleoanthropology
• Island Southeast Asian prehistory

Background:

• Jerimalai rock shelter in East Timor contains cultural remains dating back 42,000 years.
• The site is significant for early pelagic fishing evidence and Pleistocene stone artefacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the stone artefacts from Jerimalai to understand lithic technology and its implications.
• To compare the Jerimalai assemblage with other regional sites, particularly Liang Bua.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lithic technology and raw material usage over a 42,000-year sequence.
• Comparative study of stone artefact assemblages from Jerimalai and Liang Bua.

Main Results:

• Lithic technology at Jerimalai remained largely consistent over 42,000 years, with additions in the mid-Holocene.
• The assemblage is dominated by small chert cores and implements, characteristic of island Southeast Asian sites.
• Jerimalai's stone tools show strong resemblance to those from Liang Bua.

Conclusions:

• The long-term human occupation and distinctive flake stone technologies at Jerimalai suggest modern human activity.
• The similarity between Jerimalai and Liang Bua assemblages, coupled with proximity, raises the possibility of modern humans creating both.