Abstract
A study of preserved starch grains from sedimentary sequences at Niah Cave, Sarawak, Borneo, reveals direct evidence for the use of rainforest plants rich in digestible carbohydrates. Plants identified include several species of Aroids (Alocasia sp., Cyrtosperma sp.), at least one species of yam (Dioscorea sp.), and the pith of sago palm (cf. Caryota mitis, Eugeissona utilis). Starch grains from a total of fourteen recurring types indicate that a wide range of starch-rich plants are present in Pleistocene occupation sediments from the cave, and await identification with a more comprehensive reference collection of tropical species. The technique of starch extraction from archaeological sediments presents archaeologists with a new and powerful tool for investigating the past diet of tropical forest hunter-gatherers.
Highlights
Even though the absolute numbers of grains are low, the high diversity of granule morphology indicates that a wide range of starchy plants was deposited at Niah Cave over time
This study reports preliminary results from ongoing research on the recovery of starch from Pleistocene sediments within Niah Cave that are associated with evi
This study has focused on the identification of starchy roots and some palms known or thought likely to have occurred within the vicinity of Niah Cave
Summary
Even though the absolute numbers of grains are low, the high diversity of granule morphology indicates that a wide range of starchy plants was deposited at Niah Cave over time. These granules very closely matched examples from two forest Alocasia (Species D and E) recorded in the lowland dipterocarp rainforest of Niah National Park.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
