Archaeologists to Trace Human Migration in Barbar, Maluku

Ambon, Maluku, (Antara) - An archaeology team from the Archaeology Office of Ambon, Maluku, will trace the early migration of prehistoric humans from mainland Asia to Australia through Southwest Maluku, an archaeologist from the office stated here on Friday. The exploration will commence at the end of 2015 and will focus on Babar Islands, Southwest Maluku district, Marlon Ririmasse noted. "We will explore Babar Islands to see the archaeological potential as during this time, the islands in the western part of Tanimbar Islands have not been explored," he said. According to Marlon, Babar Islands is one of the outer islands of Maluku, which is close to Australia. Babar is an important island group as it connects mainland Australia, Papua, and the islands on the western side, including Timor and the islands in the southeast of Maluku. With a high potential of karst morphology, it is possible that the caves can reveal the locus of prehistoric human occupation in Babar Islands. Karst is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks including limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. "Babar is closer to Australia, so we can trace the earliest migration of humans from Asia to Australia," Marlon stated. He explained that evidences supporting the theory of human migration in prehistoric times from mainland Asia to Australia via the Moluccas were found in Gebe Island, North Maluku province. "I have briefly explored Babar while conducting research in Masela Island (Southwest Maluku district) in 2013. The area has a good prospect for the discovery of archaeological findings due to its landscape," Marlon added. (*)