KILU CAVE
W ith the discovery of Kilu Cave in 1987 came the first evidence of human occupation in the Solomon Islands archipelago. It came long after the knowledge of Lapita sites dating back around 3000
At an elevation of about 8m above the ocean, it was found 65m inland from the present- day coastline, an isolation explained by fluctuating sea levels. Radiocarbon dating of a sea snail (Nerita sp.) calibrated it to 31,560- 29,850 BC. After a hiatus during the end of the Pleistocene, the cave was occupied again during the Holocene 9000-5000 years ago. Some post Lapita Buka phase pottery was found in upper layers around 2500 years ago. Most animal bones unearthed at Kilu Cave were due to human predation: shells, fish bones and animal remains such as rodents, bats, snakes, turtles, frogs, but also varanids (lizards) and skinks. Pelagic fish bones include those of tuna (Scombridae), dolphinfish (Coryphaena), jacks (Carangidae) and even sharks. As well as sea snail shells (Nerita undata & plicata), bones from 18 species of land birds were discovered, some of which are now extinct. Five endemic species of rats were identified. Evidence of plant use by the first inhabitants included two types of taro (Colocasia and Alocasia), galip nuts (Canarium indicum & solomonense) and coconut (Cocos nucifera).
Ancient seashell in the mud of Mumuni Cave
years. Kilu Cave became therefore the oldest proof of Paleolithic people navigating the open ocean. The closest land to the northwest is Nissan Island, 60km away. In order to undertake such a feat, prehistoric men had to cross the Wallace line (east of Borneo) to reach the Sahul (Greater Australia continent) before further sea crossings to arrive at Greater Bougainville. Investigated by Norwegian archaeologist Stephen Wickler, Kilu Cave is in fact a rock shelter, 17m long, 33m wide and 4m high.
exact location of Kilu Cave for one. Maybe the future will tell, should I fancy to return one day to discover more caves and underground rivers, elusive or forgotten, under the cover of the deep jungle.
A cave used by the guerrillas during Bougainville’s Civil War (1988-1998)
PNG Air flies from Port Moresby to Buka twice per week For bookings: Call + 675 7411 2644
“Too dark to see anything from the top though…” Mumuni Cave extends towards a wide balcony overlooking
Young girl in Buka town
Solomon Islands hornbill in the jungle
the ocean, with views of the jungle below. Daredevils would climb the cliff down to the beach, but I would not consider it for a second. As I reflect with awe and inspiration on these bygone times, a curtain of rain comes down all of a sudden. It is time to turn back. For sure, Buka still has more hidden secrets, the
Buka town daily market
VOLUME 39 2024
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