New evidence on prehistoric settlement in Song Toyapakeh, an underwater cave in Nusa Penida, Bali

Abstract

Song Toyapakeh is a submerged cave located on Nusa Penida Island, Bali, at a depth of 16m below sea level. The cave is believed to have been inhabited by human during the late Pleistocene period, as evidenced by the large numbers of bones from Cervidae and Elephantoid families, as well as turtles, that are scattered throughout the cave. The presence of these bones raises questions about the past use of Song Toyapakeh by humans and the transformation of the island's landscape into a submerged cave. The objective of this study is to address the function of Song Toyapakeh during the late Pleistocene period, based on the animal bones found within. To accomplish this, data were collected using scuba method to record the morphology of the cave and to take samples of the animal bones that were likely used by human in the past. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were then conducted on the cut marks and burn marks present on the bones to identify evidence of human use. In addition, paleogeographical and paleoclimatological data were examined to understand the landscape transformation of the cave. The analysis of the bones revealed traces of trimming and burn marks, indicating that the bones were used as tools and as food source by humans. Changes in the landscape caused by fluctuations in the sea level due to climate change during the Pleistocene period are believed to be responsible for the transformation of the cave from an area located above sea level to one that is now submerged. The evidence of human activity on the faunal remains found in Song Toyapakeh provides strong evidence of the use of the cave as human occupation during the late Pleistocene period.