Recent archaeological discoveries have reshaped our understanding of prehistoric times in Southeast Asia. The early people in the Philippines are now considered to be the pioneers and innovators of sailing, rather than separate groups of humans who lived in these archipelagos. Research based on evidence from the island of Mindoro suggests that by 40,000 years ago, people were traveling in open ocean corridors; practicing marine fishing, and, building complex and interconnected communities as well as technology around water. Contrary to long-held beliefs about how these islands were remote and arrived accidentally by drifting into the ocean. According to modern science, evidence has been found on the islands that includes the use of more advanced tool-making methods for shellfish, and also evidence of pelagic fish being located far from land, indicating that people voluntarily traveled between landmasses at times. As researchers document through mapping these past interactions between communities around the world, it is realized that one of the main areas where communities interacted was sailing and using the waters present around the Philippines and building strong networks for trade and cultural exchange.
Findings show humans built island networks throughout the Philippines
Data from the Mindoro Archaeological Project indicate that these early societies used caves and rock shelters within a broader and interdependent system of locations that could be characterized as integrated settlements; And rather than isolated communities, researchers found evidence of continuous human activity at these sites for more than 35,000 years, indicating that these sites were part of a broader system of sharing knowledge, materials and culture between communities across hundreds of miles of water, according to a study from Ateneo de Manila University.
Study finds evidence of advanced navigation and deep-sea fishing
The fact that these islands had no land contact during the Ice Age would mean that an organized effort at sea was required to reach them. According to the study published at the Ateneo de Manila University, microscopic study of stone tools shows that these early inhabitants could make ropes and nets from plant fibers to make ships and the fishing gear needed for deep-sea fishing and had access to many of the marine resources such as tuna and sharks found within the archaeological record.
How coastal innovation connected isolated island populations
By taking advantage of the coastal environment and available resources, early inhabitants of the islands were able to demonstrate their adaptability and find solutions to environmental limitations. The creation of an adze (a woodworking tool) from giant clam shells enabled the wood to be shaped into oars, shelters, and ship components. The ability to shape wood through the use of adzes created and maintained maritime networks that transported both physical and intangible materials over long distances, virtually connecting island populations in a way that challenged the traditional paradigm of primitive isolation.