Fiber technology at Tabon Cave spanning from 39,000 to 33,000 years ago, as visualized artistically in accordance with the most recent archaeological findings. Illustration by Carole Cheval-Art’chéograph, created for the exhibit “Pathways and Trajectories of Philippine Identity,” curated by Hermine Xhauflair and Eunice Averion. Scientific consultation provided by Hermine Xhauflair. Credit: Carole Cheval – Art’chéograph, Xhauflair & Averion, CC-BY 4.0
Play Video
Post Free AI Tools
Stone implements reveal distinctive signs indicating 39,000-year-old fiber technology.
Recent research published in the PLOS ONE journal, spearheaded by Hermine Xhauflair from the University of the Philippines Diliman along with her team, identifies minuscule traces of prehistoric plant-based technology on stone tools.
It is posited that ancient civilizations extensively used plant resources to fabricate textiles and cords, leveraging the resilience and flexibility of plant fibers much like contemporary societies. However, artifacts like woven baskets and ropes, being made of plant material, are seldom preserved in the archaeological records, especially in tropical climates. As a result, this aspect of ancient technology largely remains obscured from modern scientific observation.
In Southeast Asia, the most ancient artifacts composed of plant fibers date back to approximately 8,000 years. In contrast, this new research by Xhauflair and her associates provides indirect evidence pointing to significantly older plant-based technology.
The data stems from stone tools discovered in Tabon Cave, Palawan, Philippines, which are estimated to be up to 39,000 years old. These tools show minuscule wear and tear accrued from usage. Present-day indigenous communities in this locality employ tools to extract fibers from plants such as bamboo and palm, transforming rigid stalks into pliable fibers for knotting or weaving. By replicating these plant fiber extraction methods experimentally, the researchers identified specific patterns of microscopic damage on stone tools, similar to the patterns found on three stone artifacts from Tabon Cave.
This constitutes some of the most ancient indications of fiber technology in Southeast Asia, accentuating the technological prowess of prehistoric communities dating back to 39,000 years ago. The study also presents a methodology for unearthing other hitherto concealed aspects of ancient plant technology. Future investigations will illuminate the antiquity of these practices, their historical prevalence, and whether current practices are a continuation of an unbroken tradition.
The authors further state, “This research extends the historical timeline of fiber technology in Southeast Asia, suggesting that prehistoric communities residing in Tabon Cave had the capability not only to create baskets and traps but also ropes that could be employed in the construction of dwellings, sailing vessels, hunting equipment, and composite articles.”
Reference: “The invisible plant technology of Prehistoric Southeast Asia: Indirect evidence for basket and rope making at Tabon Cave, Philippines, 39–33,000 years ago” by Hermine Xhauflair, Sheldon Jago-on, Timothy James Vitales, Dante Manipon, Noel Amano, John Rey Callado, Danilo Tandang, Céline Kerfant, Omar Choa, and Alfred Pawlik, published on 30 June 2023, PLOS ONE. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281415
This project received financial support from multiple institutions including the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement #843521, the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle of Paris, Ile-de- France Region, the Fondation Fyssen, the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research (University of Cambridge), the Institute for SE Asian Archaeology, and the PrehSEA Program.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prehistoric Fiber Technology
What is the main focus of the research conducted by Hermine Xhauflair and colleagues?
The primary focus of the research is to uncover evidence of ancient fiber technology in Tabon Cave, Palawan, Philippines. The study examines stone tools estimated to be 39,000 years old for microscopic signs of wear and tear, indicative of plant fiber processing.
How does this research contribute to the understanding of ancient technologies?
This study provides some of the oldest evidence of fiber technology in Southeast Asia. It showcases how prehistoric communities utilized plant fibers for various purposes, such as crafting textiles, cords, and potentially even baskets and traps. The research also presents a methodology for revealing otherwise hidden facets of prehistoric plant-based technology.
What kind of evidence was used to support the study’s conclusions?
The evidence stems from microscopic damage patterns on stone tools discovered in Tabon Cave. These patterns match the wear and tear observed on contemporary tools used by indigenous communities to process plant fibers, thus providing indirect evidence for the prehistoric use of plant fiber technology.
Why is this study important for Southeast Asia?
This research extends the historical timeline of fiber technology in Southeast Asia. Prior to this, the oldest known artifacts made from plant fibers in the region were around 8,000 years old. This study provides evidence of such technology dating back to 39,000 years, thereby enhancing our understanding of the technological capabilities of ancient Southeast Asian communities.
Who funded this research?
The study was funded by various institutions, including the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle of Paris, Ile-de- France Region, the Fondation Fyssen, the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, the Institute for SE Asian Archaeology, and the PrehSEA Program.
What are the implications of these findings for modern communities?
While the study primarily focuses on revealing ancient technologies, the methodology it presents could be significant for modern research. Understanding the continuity or changes in plant fiber technology over thousands of years can offer insights into current indigenous practices and their origins.
More about Prehistoric Fiber Technology
- Research Paper in PLOS ONE
- University of the Philippines Diliman Archaeological Studies Program
- Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement
- Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle of Paris
- McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research
- Institute for Southeast Asian Archaeology
- PrehSEA Program
- Fondation Fyssen
6 comments
Wow, just wow. This is a game changer for how we see ancient civilizations. Can’t believe they were this advanced 39k years ago!
Those stone tools must be amazing to hold a secret for 39,000 years. Makes me wonder how much more is out there that we dont yet know.
Mind blowing research! it’s like every new discovery makes us reevaluate what we thought we knew. Hats off to the research team.
What’s more exciting is the methodology, guys. If we can apply this to other sites, who knows what else we’ll find.
So much history hidden right beneath our feet, literally. Its fascinating to think what else we might discover in future.
Incredible stuff. who’d have thought that something as simple as plant fibers could offer such a deep look into prehistoric tech?