In Gabon's sprawling forest, archaeologists dig for ancient clues that could unlock the secrets of how prehistoric humans lived and interacted in the changing landscape of central Africa.

Lastoursville

A team of scientists has been investigating the caves of Lastoursville in Gabon, which formed from ancient oceanic dolomite and are known for their cavities. Archaeologists have uncovered animal bones, carved stones, and one of the oldest pottery shards found in central Africa, estimated to be over 6,500 years old. 

A particularly notable find is a small pearl carved from a snail shell, which researchers believe is evidence of the customs and civilisation of prehistoric populations in the region. The discoveries suggest that ancient humans in central Africa adapted to significant climate changes, and studying their remains may provide valuable lessons about resilience and survival.

Gabon forest cave reveals clues about prehistoric central Africa

Hidden amongst the trees of this equatorial forest, the caves of Lastoville have been meticulously combed through by a team of scientists. These are the remnants of an old ancient ocean from about two billion years ago. And dolomite, this rock that emerged from it, is a rock that dissolves in water. And of course, this creates caverns. That's why the Lastoville region is known for its cavities. Crouched in the darkness of the cave of Umbidi, archaeologists are searching for clues that could explain how humans lived in these caves more than 25,000 years ago. We hope to find a human tooth, since we are finding bone remains, animals, lithic remains and carved stones. And we also hope to find, why not, an entire human skeleton. Even the most modest remains are crucial to reconstructing the past. This year's findings are analysed in this laboratory, among them a pottery shard among the oldest found in Central Africa, estimated to be more than 6,500 years old. But for these experts, it is a small pearl which is of particular interest. The surprise of the year is a small pearl. It's difficult to see because it's so tiny, but it was carved from a snail shell. These were people who had real customs, a real civilisation, a way of life, and this small pearl is a humble but beautiful witness to these societies that existed in the forests of the region. According to this team of archaeologists, these ancient populations had to adapt to drastic changes in their climate. Discovering their long unknown past could help us learn from the resilience of our ancestors.

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