Historical Exploration of Niah Cave: Extraordinary Architecture and Natural Beauty (6)
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| The view is taken from inside Niah Cave, looking out at the exceptionally beautiful and pristine natural surroundings, with wooden huts constructed within the cave. The cave’s ceiling is at least 30 to 40 meters high. Photo documentation by the writer. |
BORNEOTRAVEL - BATU NIAH, MIRI: Niah Cave—More Specifically, Gua Dagang Walet—Situated Approximately 3 kilometers Across the Niah River from Miri, Malaysia, is a Crucial Archaeological Site.
Niah Cave, also known as Gua Dagang Walet, is a fascinating historical site located about 3 kilometers from the opposite side of the Niah River in Miri, Malaysia.
This cave system is renowned for its significant contributions to our understanding of early human history in Borneo and Southeast Asia.
Niah Archaeological Museum: A Must-Visit for history enthusiasts
A visit to the Niah Archaeological Museum is an essential experience for anyone interested in human prehistory. The cave is known to contain evidence of human activity dating back approximately 40,000 years, making it a key location for studying the early migration and settlement patterns of our ancestors.
The significance of Niah Cave extends beyond its age; it provides invaluable insights into the lives of prehistoric people through the artifacts and remains discovered within its depths.
The museum houses a range of exhibits, including tools, pottery, and other cultural relics that offer a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants of Borneo.
The Long-awaited visit: uncovering ancient secrets
My long-anticipated visit to the Niah Archaeological Museum finally came to fruition on August 9, 2024. Accompanied by Dr. Patricia Ganing, Clemence, and the renowned Indonesian photographer Arbain Rambey, I explored the museum and its extensive collection.
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| The writer is currently at the Sarawak Museum in Niah to observe, explore, research, read, examine, and gather data and information about the essence and everything you need to know about Niah Cave. |
Among the museum’s highlights is the replica of a human skull estimated to be over 40,000 years old. This replica is particularly notable because it offers a tangible connection to the early inhabitants of Borneo.
The skull’s age is supported by radiocarbon dating and other archaeological evidence, placing it among the earliest known remains of Homo sapiens in Southeast Asia.
The replica skull: a window into the past
The replica skull on display at the Niah Archaeological Museum is a remarkable artifact. It is nearly complete, though the mandible (lower jaw) was missing when it was discovered. The skull was found in fragments at a depth of 106 meters within the cave, an area that was once occupied by ancient humans.
Despite the damage sustained during its burial, many of the fragments have been reassembled due to the surrounding soil matrix, which helped to preserve and reconnect the pieces. Notably, the skull exhibits pronounced fractures on the right side and the front, reflecting the conditions it endured over millennia.
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| The deep skull (left) compared to a sub-adult Tasmanian skull. Doc. Sarawak Muzium. |
Dr. Brothwell, a distinguished paleontologist from the University of Cambridge, analyzed the skull and estimated that the individual was around 17 years old at the time of death. While the exact sex of the individual remains undetermined, Dr. Brothwell noted morphological similarities between this skull and those found in Tasmania, suggesting potential connections with the Australo-Melanesian group.
Scientific significance and ongoing research
Charcoal samples taken from a layer approximately 6 inches above the skull were radiocarbon dated to about 10,000 years Before Present (B.P.) by the University of Groningen laboratory. This dating supports the skull’s estimated age of around 40,000 years, reinforcing its status as one of the earliest known examples of Homo sapiens in Southeast Asia.
The findings from Niah Cave contribute significantly to our understanding of human prehistory in the region. They highlight the early presence of modern humans in Southeast Asia and provide crucial evidence for studying migration patterns, cultural practices, and the development of early societies.
Niah Cave and its archaeological museum offer a captivating journey into the distant past, revealing the rich history of early human life in Borneo. The discoveries made at this site continue to enhance our knowledge of ancient civilizations and their impact on the world we know today.
For historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts alike, Niah Cave remains a treasure trove of information that deepens our understanding of human history and evolution.
-- Masri Sareb Putra, M.A.
Borneo Travel
BORNEO TRAVEL is a blog specifically dedicated to domestic and foreign tourists who want to have a vacation, or have an adventure to enjoy the sensation of ecotourism, even those who intend to do research on the island of Borneo which is the third largest island in the world after Greenland and Papua. This island is not only exotic with various world attractions, but also rich in culture and biodiversity that will make anyone fall in love.
