In the distant past, skilled mariners embarked on audacious voyages from Asia to the Pacific Islands, shaping the global dispersal of Homo sapiens. These pioneering seafarers became the ancestors of present-day communities from West Papua to Aotearoa New Zealand.
While archaeologists have long grappled with uncertainties regarding the timing, routes, and methods of these migrations, groundbreaking new research now provides direct evidence of equatorial seafaring to islands near West Papua over 50,000 years ago, marking a significant milestone in understanding humanity's ancient movements.
Curious to learn more about the ancient explorers who paved the way for modern communities? Click on!