The large vertebrate remains from Binjai Tamieng (Sumatra, Indonesia)

Gruwier, Ben Jack

Abstract

Excavations in 1928 at the Binjai Tamieng shell midden in Northeast Sumatra brought to light a small assemblage of animal- and human remains that has never been studied in detail. The analysis of these Early Holocene finds suggests that besides mollusks and fish, a number of larger vertebrates played a role in the palaeoeconomy of the site. The composition of Binjai Tamieng has a somewhat similar signature to sites from Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia. Testudine and artiodactyl remains are predominant in the vertebrate assemblage, while other species such as crocodile and a small cetacean were probably opportunistically hunted or scavenged. Animal bone was probably also used for the manufacturing of tools. Javan- and possibly Sumatran rhinoceros are present on the site. A number of human remains show traces of disarticulation and may be indicative of complex funerary rituals or cannibalism.

Citation

Gruwier, B. J. (2017). The large vertebrate remains from Binjai Tamieng (Sumatra, Indonesia). Journal of Indo-Pacific archaeology, 41, 22-29. https://doi.org/10.7152/jipa.v41i0.15027

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jun 21, 2017
• Publication Date: Jun 21, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 1, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 1, 2017
• Journal: Journal of Indo-Pacific archaeology.
• Electronic ISSN: 2375-0510
• Publisher: Indo-Pacific Prehistory Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 41
• Pages: 22-29
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.7152/jipa.v41i0.15027
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1350505