The Human Skull from Niah Cave is 40,000 Years Old, Confirming the Origins of Borneo's Humans

Replica of a 40,000-Year-Old Human Skull at the Niah Archaeological Museum, Miri, Sarawak. Credit photo: Writer.

dayaktoday.com- BATU NIAH, MIRI: Niah Cave, specifically Gua Dagang Walet, is located about three kilometers from the opposite side of the Niah River in Miri. It is one of the most historically significant sites for understanding human civilization in Borneo. 

The uniqueness of this place lies in its natural beauty and its role as a silent witness to human life that began over 40,000 years ago.

Niah Archaeological Museum

For anyone with an interest in history, especially the history of human civilization in Southeast Asia, visiting this site is a must. Without the traces preserved in Niah Cave, many people would remain unaware of the lives of early humans who have traversed thousands of years. 

The archaeological discoveries made in Niah Cave have become one of the authentic pieces of evidence that strengthens our understanding of human existence since prehistoric times, lasting over forty millennia.

Read Dayak: Origins and First Use as Indigenous Identity of Borneo

My visit to Gua Dagang was followed by a trip to the Niah Archaeological Museum, located not far from the cave. On this journey, I was accompanied by Dr. Patricia Ganing, a local archaeologist, Clemence, and Arbain Rambey, a talented photographer from Indonesia who captured these precious moments. My long-held desire to see firsthand and study the various artifacts and historical remains housed in this museum was finally realized on August 9, 2024.

One of the highlights of this visit that should not be missed is the replica of a human skull estimated to be over 40,000 years old. This discovery unveils the life of early humans in Southeast Asia, offering an incredible insight into their existence and how they lived during those ancient times.

Replica Skull

Within the museum, there is a replica of a human skull, which stands as one of the main attractions. This skull is one of the specimens discovered in Niah Cave and carries significant historical value. Here’s a further explanation of the skull, which has become an important symbol in archaeological research.

The skull is nearly complete, with almost the entire cranial section intact, although the mandible was not found when it was first discovered. The skull was found at a depth of 106 meters from the cave's entrance, and around the discovery site, several small fragments were found, indicating that the skull had been severely damaged before being buried within the cave.

Read Orang-Orang Hakka di Sanggau - Sebuah Novel Sejarah Bercatatan Kaki by Masri Sareb Putra (2)

Most of these fragments have been rejoined thanks to the soil matrix, which helped unite the broken pieces. However, cracks in the skull are more evident on the right side and the front, suggesting that the skull underwent significant pressure before being entombed in the cave. This damage adds historical value to the discovery, as it provides insight into the challenges faced by early humans in their survival.

Further research on the skull was conducted by Dr. Brothwell, a renowned paleontologist from the University of Cambridge. Based on his research, Dr. Brothwell estimated that the skull belonged to an individual about 17 years old at the time of death. However, the sex of the individual could not be determined due to missing parts of the skull. What’s more intriguing is the skull's morphological analysis, which shows similarities to the skulls of Tasmania, suggesting that this skull is linked to the broader prehistoric human group, specifically the Australo-Melanesian people.

A charcoal sample taken from about six inches above the skull was then tested using radiocarbon dating at the University of Groningen. The results showed that the charcoal was approximately 10,000 years old, reinforcing the idea that this skull dates back to an ancient period, around 40,000 years ago. 

Based on the in-depth scientific research, the skull is believed to be one of the earliest examples of Homo sapiens, or modern humans, inhabiting the Southeast Asian archipelago during that time.

Read Longhouses of the Dayak People: An Intriguing and Meaningful Tourist Attraction

This discovery not only stirs curiosity but also significantly contributes to our understanding of the spread of modern humans across the region. The skull, along with other artifacts found around Niah Cave, serves as concrete evidence of how early humans made their way into Borneo and Southeast Asia during prehistoric times.

Iban: heirs safeguarding Niah's ancestral heritage

A visit to the Niah Archaeological Museum offers an unforgettable experience, providing a deeper understanding of the long history that humanity has traversed. The traces of the past that are buried within caves such as Niah offer a glimpse of how humans lived in ancient times, as well as the close relationship between modern humans and their ancestors, who adapted and survived in various extreme environments. It’s a journey through history that continues to live on in the form of artifacts and discoveries, offering us a clearer picture of how humans evolved and survived throughout millennia.

Read The Dayak Today: The First Nation of Borneo in All Its Glory!

Currently, the area around Niah Cave, specifically Batu Niah, is inhabited by the Iban people. It stands to reason that it wouldn’t be anyone other than the original inhabitants—the first nation—who are the rightful heirs of this land, living on and safeguarding Niah, if not direct descendants of their ancestors. This enduring connection between the present-day Iban and the historical significance of Niah reflects a lineage deeply rooted in cultural heritage and ancestral bonds.

--Masri Sareb Putra