Many individuals engage in fishing for both sustenance and recreation in modern times. Ever pondered about the origins of fishing? While fishing has been a part of human history for centuries, the limited discovery of ancient fishing hooks poses a challenge in uncovering the details of past fishing practices.
Although fishhooks dating back over 20,000 years have been unearthed, those found on coastlines or excavation sites older than approximately 12,000 years are scarce. However, recent discoveries by researchers from Australia and Indonesia have shed light on this subject.
In Makupang Cave on Indonesia’s Alor Island, a significant collection of 239 fishing artifacts estimated to be up to 15,000 years old was uncovered. Most of these artifacts date back to a period between 11,000 and 13,000 years ago, including 218 fishing hooks and fragments. Makpan, located on the southwest coast of Alor, was identified as a convenient storage spot for ancient fishing equipment due to its proximity to the sea, even during periods of lower sea levels, such as the last ice age approximately 25,000 years ago.
During excavations at Makupang, the research team carefully removed accumulated layers of soil and dust to uncover the ancient fishing hooks. The sediment from the cave entrance was meticulously examined through a 1.5-millimeter mesh sieve. Other fishing remnants, including hooks and fragments, were recovered and analyzed under a powerful microscope to determine the ancient techniques used in their production.
The researchers identified various types of hooks, including jab hooks, rotating hooks, and sinkers, as well as possible fishing lures. These hooks, ranging from 9 to 50 millimeters in size, were predominantly crafted from shellfish such as limpets, Rokia, and turbo. By studying the tool collection, researchers could discern the process of hook-making, which indicated multiple craftsmen involved in the production.
The discovery in Makupang Cave is considered remarkable due to the abundance of fishing artifacts found, surpassing previous finds from the same period by more than five times. Ongoing research at the site is anticipated to offer further insights into ancient fishing practices.
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Source: sciworthy.com
