In a groundbreaking revelation that’s set to rewrite maritime history, researchers Riczar Fuentes and Alfred Pawlik from Ateneo de Manila University have dropped a bombshell. Their upcoming paper in the April 2025 issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports challenges the Eurocentric narrative that technological progress during the Palaeolithic era was confined to Europe and Africa. Instead, they’ve turned the spotlight on the ancient peoples of the Philippines and Island Southeast Asia (ISEA), suggesting these early mariners were far more advanced than previously thought.
The researchers have uncovered evidence that these ancient seafarers were not just paddling around in makeshift rafts, but were in fact mastering the open sea with sophisticated boats and advanced maritime skills. This revelation is based on microscopic analysis of stone tools from archaeological sites in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste, dating back some 40,000 years. These tools show clear traces of plant processing, particularly the extraction of fibers crucial for making ropes, nets, and bindings—all essential for boatbuilding and open-sea fishing.
The discovery of deep ocean fish remains, such as tuna and sharks, alongside fishing implements like hooks, gorges, and net weights, further supports this hypothesis. As the researchers noted, “The remains of large predatory pelagic fish in these sites indicate the capacity for advanced seafaring and knowledge of the seasonality and migration routes of those fish species.” This isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about understanding ocean currents, fish migration patterns, and the technical know-how to build boats that can withstand deep-sea voyages.
The implications of this research are staggering. It suggests that prehistoric migrations across ISEA were not undertaken by passive sea drifters but by highly skilled navigators equipped with the knowledge and technology to travel vast distances and to remote islands over deep waters. This challenges the conventional wisdom that technological progress during the Palaeolithic only emerged in Europe and Africa. It also raises intriguing questions about the origins of maritime technology and the potential for similar advancements in other parts of the world.
The researchers, along with naval architects from the University of Cebu, have launched the First Long-Distance Open-Sea Watercrafts (FLOW) Project. This initiative aims to test raw materials that were probably used in the past and to design and test scaled-down seacraft models. This hands-on approach could provide tangible evidence of the ancient seafarers’ capabilities and shed light on the technological innovations that made the region a maritime hub tens of thousands of years ago.
The presence of such advanced maritime technology in prehistoric ISEA highlights the ingenuity of early Philippine peoples and their neighbors. Their boat-building knowledge likely laid the foundations for the maritime traditions that still thrive in the region today. This discovery not only reshapes our understanding of ancient seafaring but also underscores the need to challenge Eurocentric narratives in maritime history. It’s a reminder that technological progress is not a linear path from Europe to the rest of the world, but a complex tapestry woven by diverse cultures and civilizations.
This news could spark a wave of new research and re-evaluations in the maritime industry. It could inspire a renewed interest in the maritime heritage of the Philippines and ISEA, leading to further discoveries and a deeper appreciation of the region’s contributions to global maritime history. Moreover, it could challenge the maritime industry to look beyond traditional narratives and embrace a more inclusive and diverse understanding of its past. This could foster innovation and inspire new approaches to maritime technology and navigation.
