4 REASONS WHY ARCHAEOLOGISTS STUDY THE PAST

Introduction to Borneo Archeology 

    One of the reasons is cultural heritage preservation. Borneo has a long and varied cultural history spanning many centuries. 

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia. 

The ethnic diversity in Borneo Island 

    Archaeologists can discover and preserve the island's indigenous communities' cultural legacy by investigating the past. Understanding their customs, rites, social systems, and technical developments falls under this category. Such information is essential for the maintenance and resurgence of cultural practises and can strengthen communities in modern-day Borneo by strengthening their sense of identity. The ancient customs and rituals of Borneo's indigenous groups also can be gleaned via archaeological studies. Besides that, archaeological research assists in the understanding of Borneo's ancient societies' social organization. The technological advances and advancements made by Borneo's indigenous cultures in the past are also illuminated by archaeology. Archaeology's preservation and study of cultural heritage also are essential for forming the identity and pride of modern Borneo communities. This is why cultural heritage preservation is one of the reasons why archaeologists study the past. There are several dominant reasons why archaeologists tend to study the past. Let's see one by one~

4 reasons why archeologists study the past!

1. To study early human activities in the past (Bukit Tengkorak, Sabah) 
2. To understand the significance of discovered artifacts and human remains (Gua Niah, Sarawak) 
3. To identify the economic activities of humans in the past (Santubong, Sarawak) 
4. To assist the public with ideas on how humans organized themselves in the past

1. TO STUDY EARLY HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST (BUKIT TENGKORAK, SABAH)

Bukit Tengkorak

Source: Google Image

 About Bukit Tengkorak 

    Many people do not know that Semporna, in Sabah, is the most important archaeological site in Southeast Asia and possibly the world. The name for the archaeological site is Bukit Tengkorak. Bukit Tengkorak site is only five kilometers from Semporna. The site is located around 183 meters above sea level on the shores of Semporna. Professor H.D. Tija from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), in collaboration with the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Sabah Museum Department (JMS), conducted a geological survey at this place from 1994 to 1995. And they confirmed that certain archaeological site formations. They found that Bukit Tengkorak is included in the crater of the volcano, which has a diameter of two kilometers. This location is one of the volcanoes millions of years ago, from the Pliocene to the Quaternary period. This volcano still exists in Semporna until today.

The history of Bukit Tengkorak

Bukit Tengkorak Archeological Heritage Site

    The locals had long known about the existence of Bukit Tengkorak before the discovery. However, this place was only identified by JMS in the 1980s, and only then did scientific researchers discover it. Then, in 1994, JMS in collaboration with USM began a more comprehensive archaeological study at the location. The locals initially called this archaeological site Bukit Kabongan. but geologists call it ‘Hood Hill’. But after the discovery of two human skulls and skeletons on the hill, the title was changed to Skull Hill. Datu Panglima Abdullah National Secondary School (SMK) in Semporna has a science laboratory for human skeletons found. Excavation studies at Bukit Tengkorak also found human skulls and tens of thousands of ancient pottery fragments with various patterns.

The Bajau people of Sabah are one of the indigenous groups of Sabah. 

What are the artifacts archeologists had found? 

Human Skulls

Souce: Google Image

    The analysis of the archaeological site shows that various types of prehistoric artefacts of around 3,000 years old have been found there. Important artefacts identified include stone tools and animal remains consisting of fish bones and sea shells. On the other hand, the most abundant artefact found in the area is earthenware. At Bukit Tengkorak, you can find various types of pottery, including pots, tajau, and cooking stoves, which in the Bajau language are called 'lapohan'. Every surface of the artifact is filled with a variety of different carving arts. There are also rocks such as obsidian, slate, agate, and rijang that are used to make stone tools such as hammers, pickaxes, splinters and drills. But faunal habitats include shells, bones of mammals, reptiles and various types of marine fish.

                                  The artifacts found in Bukit Tengkorak.

Must read: https://utusantv.com/2021/03/10/bukit-tengkorak-di-sabah-asalnya-tapak-gunung-berapi-berusia-jutaan-tahun-lokasi-manusia-zaman-prasejarah/

Why Bukit Tengkorak is important to archeologists?

"Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill) near Semporna has been identified as the largest Neolithic ceramic manufacturing site in Southeast Asia." -Travelfish

    The archaeologist studied the past is because they wanted to understand human history. For example, in this place, the archaeologist wanted to know what activity is that humans had in the past in that place. As we can see in Bukit Tengkorak, the archaeologist discovers two human skulls and a skeleton, which means there is activity at the sites. The discovery of various types of pottery, including pots, tajau, and cooking stoves said that there is the activity of making pottery and cooking in human history happened in that places.

Part of Discoveries in Bukit Tengkorak

Source: Google Image

    To sum up, Bukit Tengkorak in Semporna, Sabah, is a significant archaeological site with enormous historical and cultural significance. The findings at Bukit Tengkorak have provided insight into the local activities of earlier human groups. Our knowledge of human history and the rise of Southeast Asian civilizations have been aided by the archaeological work done at Bukit Tengkorak and the examination of the artifacts. Archaeologists seek to understand historical cultures' behaviors, practices, technology, and cultural norms in order to further our understanding of the evolution of humanity.

2. TO UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DISCOVERED ARTIFACTS AND HUMAN REMAINS (GUA NIAH, SARAWAK)

Niah Cave

Source: https://borneoadventure.com/destinations/niah-national-park/

About Niah Cave

Gua Niah (Niah Cave) is the center of human settlement dating as far as 40 000 years ago. The cave is enormous by any measure as the floor of the cave is approximately 3,139 hectares and in places, the cave roof rises a majestic 75 meters above the rubble-strewn floor. There are five openings in the cave and the main cave are called a painted cave because of the red hematite wall and ceiling painting. The painted cave was suitable for human dwelling because it is dry and well-lit. The other parts of the cave were dark, moist, and inhabited by bats and swiftlets. 

    The cave is located about 65 km from Miri, Sarawak, and is described as the first location of human civilization in Borneo. 

Niah National Park

Source: Google Image

How has it been found? 

 In 1855, Alfred Russel Wallace discovered Niah Caves during his expedition in Borneo. Unfortunately, the excavation by the British archaeologist was unsuccessful. Then, Barbara and Tom Harrison successfully continued the previous excavation with significant discoveries from 1954 until 1967. This discovery uncovered considerable evidence of past human habitations. The cave is used intermittently use by mobile foragers during the Holocene age and is a major repository of the dead dated around 4000 years ago. After realizing that Niah Cave is an archaeological and cultural significance to the area, Niah Cave was declared a historical monument in 1974.

As Barbara and Tom Harrison excavated the cave, 750,000 fragments were found which make the cave as one of the largest late Pleistocene and early Holocene assemblage of archaeological assemblage in southeast Asia. One of the top discoveries at Niah Caves is called ‘the deep skull’ in 1958 that is found at the deepest part of the cave so-called ‘Hell Trench’ due to its hot weather condition during the excavation. Together with the skull, they found a charcoal sample that dates back to 35000 and 40000 bp, which indicates at the oldest authenticated modern human remains outside Africa. Other than that, 25 human burials were found in Niah cave dating to the early Holocene, and 200 burials with a Neolithic material culture which shows that Niah cave is the largest Mesolithic and Neolithic cemeteries in Southeast Asia. Barbara Harrison discovered paintings on the wall using hematite and dye material from plants and depict anthropomorphism that appears to be a boat or ship. In 2000 and 2003, under the leadership of Prof. Graeme Barker from the University of Cambridge, Niah Cave was initiated to re-investigate the remnant archaeology with the help of an international team of archaeologists and environmental scientists. The result of the re-investigation confirmed that new 14C dates anchored the stratigraphy to an absolute chronology and demonstrated that intermittent human habitation of the caves could be traced back 45000 bp. In addition, the project could also be able to unravel the late Pleistocene and early Holocene habitation of the cave entrance and Neolithic and Metal age burial activity. In 2017, another international team led by Prof. Darren Curnoe from the University of New South Wales, Australia discovered a new timeline based on their discoveries of five pieces of microlithic tools aged 65000 years ago and a human skull aged 55000 years.

Deep-Skull that was unearthed at Gua Niah

Source: Google Image

   

Why Niah Cave is important to archeologists?  

   

Painted-Cave Paintings and the dead ships.

    The discoveries from Niah Caves by archaeologists help us to understand human activities during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene. The discoveries of human burials at Niah Cave indicate that it is the largest cemetery in Southeast Asia. The excavation at Niah Cave also helps us to tell the routes as well as the interaction of prehistoric people with the environment and surrounding that help them to form cultural traditions. Not only that, the discoveries of the transition from foraging to farming society at Niah cave can be evidence of agricultural origins. The foraging to farming transition revealed that complex human and rainforest interactions are developed. Furthermore, the origin of the ethnic group living around the Niah Cave can be traced based on the evidence discovered that shows the human and rainforest interaction. All in all, the discoveries in Niah Cave helps us understand the origin of how human in the Pleistocene and Holocene interacted with the environment which helps them create their cultural traditions in relationship with the surroundings.

Wow~! Look at how beautiful Niah Cave is!!!

"Proceeding into the cave, the sound of disembodied voices mingles with the squeaking of millions of bats and swiftlets to create an eerie atmosphere." - SarawakForestry

    In a nutshell, the Niah Cave is an important archaeological site because it contains many artifacts of pre-historic humans. It is a historical monument in Sarawak because it is recognized as an archaeological and cultural site of the area. The discoveries from Niah cave give us an insight into the Pleistocene and Holocene age of the way they correspond to the environment. Archaeological discoveries gave us an insight into the origin of human and the way culture and tradition is created.

3. TO IDENTIFY THE ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF HUMANS IN THE PAST (SANTUBONG, SARAWAK)

Mysterious Mount Santubong with filled with histories and folklores

Source: Google Image

About Mount Santubong

       Mount Santubong is a majestic mountain located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. It holds great cultural and historical significance, captivating the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. The history of Mount Santubong is intertwined with the folklore, legends, and rich heritage of the region. According to history, Mount Santubong was discovered by British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace in 1855 while he was collecting specimens in Sarawak. Mount Santubong has been gazette as one of Sarawak’s National Parks, and its nearby beach is recognized as one of the biggest wetland areas in the whole of Borneo. 

The tale of Princess Santubong and Princess Sejinjang

    Ancient legends and folklore surrounding Mount Santubong date back centuries. According to one popular legend, there were once two princesses named Santubong and Sejinjang. The princesses were said to possess extraordinary beauty and possessed the ability to transform into two mountain peaks. Mount Santubong represents the princess Santubong, while Mount Sejinjang symbolizes her sister. The legend also tells of a forbidden love between Santubong and a prince, which ultimately led to their transformation into the mountains.

Two mythical figures according to folklore

Source: Google Image

    During the 7th to the 15th century, the region surrounding Mount Santubong was part of the Srivijaya Empire, an influential maritime kingdom that dominated Southeast Asia. The empire's control over the strategic waterways facilitated trade and cultural exchange, leading to the establishment of trading posts along the coasts. The area around Mount Santubong likely served as a stopover point for traders navigating the maritime routes. In the 19th century, the Brooke family, led by James Brooke, arrived in Sarawak and established the Rajah Brooke. The Brookes, also known as the "White Rajahs," played a significant role in the development and governance of Sarawak. Mount Santubong served as a prominent landmark during this period, guiding ships into the nearby Kuching, which was the capital of the Rajah Brooke.

 

James Brooke "White Rajah of Sarawak"

Source: Google Image

3.1 Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam, Santubong

Iron ore discoveries at Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam, Santubong, and the discovery of artifacts.

    Santubong has a lot of significant heritage tied to its name and it has a lot of history. Sungai Jaong & Bongkisam is one of the archaeological sites that can be found in Sarawak, with deep roots to the iron smelting industry. These sites were discovered and was partly excavated in the 1950s and 1960s. The sites were defined as an outstanding archaeological site due to a few a reasons, one of them is that the sites revealed large quantities of remains related to iron-reduction processes, which there are still gaps in archaeologist knowledge in South East Asia for the period under study, the 10th - 11th centuries and even earlier. The remains are associated with the probable remnants of habitats, including Chinese ceramics. Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam, located in Sarawak, Malaysia, have provided valuable insights into the discovery of iron and associated artifacts, shedding light on the technological advancements and socio-economic aspects of ancient communities.

 

Chinese ceramics

Source: Google Image

    Archaeological excavations at Sungai Jaong and Bongkisam have revealed evidence of iron production activities, including furnaces, slag, and ironworking tools. These discoveries indicate that the ancient inhabitants of the region were engaged in iron smelting and metalworking, producing tools, weapons, and other iron artifacts. The presence of iron in these sites highlights the technological achievements and skillsets of the past societies in Sarawak.

The iconic sandstone Batu Bergambar (Picture Rock) with a human form has become a tourist attraction.

Source: Google Image

 

The Findings of Iron Ores

    The discovery of iron and associated artifacts is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the technological capabilities of ancient communities. Ironworking represents a crucial advancement in material technology, enabling the production of more durable and efficient tools. Studying the iron artifacts and their craftsmanship helps archaeologists understand the level of knowledge, skill, and innovation achieved by the ancient ironworkers.

 

    Secondly, the presence of iron artifacts informs our understanding of the economic activities and trade networks of the past. Iron objects were valuable commodities, and their distribution can reveal patterns of trade, exchange, and interaction among different communities. By analyzing the distribution of iron artifacts and studying their raw materials, archaeologists can reconstruct ancient trade networks and explore the economic relationships of the region.

 

    Thirdly, studying the discovery of iron and associated artifacts helps archaeologists reconstruct the social and cultural aspects of ancient societies. Iron objects have functional and symbolic significance, and their use can provide insights into various aspects of daily life, including subsistence, agriculture, craftsmanship, warfare, and social hierarchy. By examining the contexts in which iron artifacts are found, archaeologists can interpret the social, economic, and cultural implications of ironworking in the past.

 

    In summary, the discovery of iron and associated artifacts at Sungai Jaong and Bongkissam provides valuable insights into technological advancements, trade networks, and socio-cultural aspects of ancient societies. Archaeologists study the past to understand human history, preserve cultural heritage, answer research questions, and inform present and future decision-making processes.

4. TO ASSIST THE PUBLIC WITH IDEAS ON HOW HUMANS ORGANIZED THEMSELVES IN THE PAST

    Archaeology is important for modern society to understand the past. Archaeology allows us to study and understand the history of human civilizations that are not well-documented in written records. It also allows students to engage directly with artifacts, sites, and the material remains of past societies, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and their contributions to human history.

    The problem is, how can education system can be enhanced by integrating important archaeological discoveries? Subjects such as social studies, geography, history, and anthropology are well associated with archaeology. Educators could use existing artifacts, or research report, in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the past as well as relevance to the future.

    Archaeology discoveries are often associated with certain culture. For example, Deep Skull and Cave Painting in Niah Caves, Miri. Those heritage from the prehistoric humans allow us to further interpret and understand the particular culture. Not to mention, the discoveries of Deep Skull and Cave Painting provide cultural diversity and inclusion in Malaysia. Those discoveries highlight the contribution of marginalised and indigenous community. By understanding and interpreting those historical artifacts, archaeology inclusivity promotes cultural understanding and eliminate cultural biases.

    In Malaysia, one of the most significant archaeological sites belongs to Niah National Park. As mentioned above, Niah National Park had over thousand years of history. Consisting of various artifacts and living animals. Study the history will allow us to understand how the humans organize themselves in the past. Take Niah Caves as an example, Deep Skull was found in the Great Caves in Niah National Park. Excavation found that there were animal teeth, stones and tools buried alongside the skull. These findings have helped archaeologist understand the cultural practices and lifestyle of the prehistoric humans who inhabited the caves throughout the time. Archaeologist can make assumptions about their social structure.

    Meantime, society can gain much more by studying the past including the political system, cultural practices and belief system and the settlement. By studying ancient society in Borneo, it allows us to understand how the prehistoric human organizes themselves into clan, tribes, or empires. Furthermore, the studies of history allow us to understand deeper regarding how modern humans organized themselves into urban environment.

    Archaeology is a very complex studies that involve human and human societies mainly the history of certain culture. The artifacts that have been discovered can use as a teaching tool for future use. Regardless of educators or researchers, artifacts that have been discovered can expand the existing knowledge. For instance, Artifact discoveries add to our understanding of the past and expand our knowledge base. Each new artifact provides unique insights into past cultures, technologies, and practices.

    Those pottery, flowerpot, or human skulls, provides valuable information about their associations, spatial relationships, and the site's overall function. Future researchers can use this contextual understanding to reconstruct past activities, social structures, and cultural practices. Human skull that has been discovered in Niah Caves shows that there were ancient human societies in Miri City. By looking at this framework, future research can begin based on this assumption. For any studies that related in Southeast Asia, the Deep Skull could provide deeper explanation of human DNA. This is perhaps the most accurate genetic studies information that can be found in the world. 

Conclusion

"Archaeology holds all the keys to understanding who we are and where we come from." -Sarah Parcak

 

    It is crucial to understand that even though artifacts provide valuable evidence from the past, the explanation and the assumptions that have been made require meticulous analysis. Hence, By incorporating different sources of evidence, researchers can develop a more comprehensive understanding of historical events and phenomena.