New evidence on the early human occupation in Sumba Islands

Abstract

Sumba is one of the islands in the archipelago that plays an essential role in the migration process of Austronesian speakers. This island is considered one of the contact zones that can show initial interactions between Austronesian speakers and residents who have inhabited this island before. However, archaeological research on this island is still relatively limited, so it cannot yet provide evidence of the arrival of early Austronesian speakers. However, in 2016–2022, several archaeological studies were conducted in Sumba and revealed essential sites with quite old dates. This article discusses the new evidence found at several sites, notably Lambanapu, Melolo, Kambaniru, Mborobakung, and Wunga. Among the research results are individual remains, burial jars, and artifacts that can provide a new understanding of the history of Austronesian settlements on Sumba. Some of the ¹⁴C datings show that Austronesian speakers with a complex culture inhabited this island around 3000 years ago.