Neolithic burials discovered in Vietnam cave

Vietnamese archaeologists have announced announced the results of their excavation in the Krong No volcanic cave in Dak Nong Province, in the southwest of the Central Highlands at the tail end of the Truong Son mountain chain.

Credit: VNExpress

Krong No is a volcanic cave system that has made headlines for its impressive scale and length. The 25-kilometre cave, the longest in Southeast Asia, starts at the Choar volcanic crater and stretches along the Serepok River, ending at Dray Sap waterfall.

In 2017 the general director of the Vietnam Museum of Nature launched an expedition to look for archaeological sites in the Krong No volcanic rocks park which led to the discovery of a series of locations containing prehistoric artefacts.

Credit: VNExpress

This was the first time prehistoric sites have been found in volcanic caves at the Drap Sap special-use forest. The scientists chose cave C6.1 to begin their excavations. Tens of thousands of artefacts were found in the six-square-metre grotto.

The archaeologists dug to a depth of 1.85 metres and found the remains in eight distinct layers. They also found the remains of mollusks.

Credit: VNExpress

This was the first time in the Central Highlands evidence connecting prehistoric humans with the sea was found.

Many artefacts were discovered in towns around the cave area. Archaeologists also found the remains of 10 individuals including the complete skeletons of two adults and a four-year-old child.

Credit: VNExpress

The stratigraphy of the C6.1 Cave extends 1.85 metres below the surface indicating there had been several periods of occupation.

It is the most prolific archaeological site ever to be excavated in the Central Highlands.

Credit: VNExpress

The artefacts and way of burying the dead are indicative of the Neolithic era dating back to 4,000 – 7,000 years ago the announcement said.

Source: VNExpress [September 20, 2018]