Digging into the Past: Exploring Early Humans in Southeast Asia
Theme: Earth science and resources, Geography
Description:
Join a fascinating project uncovering the prehistory of ancient humans in Southeast Asia through the study of shell middens on Bintan Island, Indonesia. This research focuses on radiocarbon dating and taxonomic analysis of marine molluscs and corals from a massive shell midden on the island. Associated stone tools suggest that the midden is linked to the Hoabinhian lithic culture and may date back as far as 40,000 years. The Hoabinhian culture, which once spanned across South, East, and Southeast Asia, remains poorly understood, making this project a critical contribution to the field.
As part of this project, you will explore the socio-environmental context of the Hoabinhian culture and gain hands-on experience with a range of cutting-edge techniques, including radiocarbon dating, stable isotope analyses, palaeoenvironmental reconstructions, and comparative morphology. Fieldwork has already been completed, and the research specimens are currently in Australia and ready for study. With funds already secured, the project is ready to commence immediately.
While archaeology is the primary focus, this interdisciplinary project will appeal to students with interests in geochemistry, biology, taxonomy, and palaeoenvironmental science. The outcomes will shed light on human adaptation, resource use, and cultural evolution during a transformative period in Southeast Asian prehistory.
Additional Information:
This project is fully funded, with more than $10,000 allocated for radiocarbon dating and additional funding for geochemical analyses. You will benefit from a supportive research environment, expert supervision, and opportunities to present your findings at conferences and in publications.
As part of this hypothesis-driven research, you will develop transferable skills in geochemistry, comparative morphology, scientific writing, and collaboration with Australian and international researchers
Contact: Assoc Prof Gilbert Price