News Archaeology

New Guinea’s Neolithic period may have started without outside help

Artifacts counter the idea that cultural changes sparked by farming were imported from Asia

Excavations at New Guinea’s Waim site began in 2016 after local residents discovered these stone artifacts. The finds included mortars, pestles, carved faces and club heads.

B. Shaw

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

Signs of a cultural shift in toolmaking and lifestyles sparked by farming, previously found at ancient Asian and European sites, have surfaced for the first time on New Guinea.