Pleistocene Cave Discoveries in Tasmania
Deep within the rugged landscapes of Tasmania lies a cave that serves as a vital window into the prehistoric world. Discovered in 1977 by Kevin Keirnan, a student of geomorphology—the study of landforms and the processes that shape them—this site has provided some of the most significant archaeological insights into early human survival during the last ice age.
The History of Exploration
Following its discovery, the cave became the focus of intense scientific scrutiny during the 1980s. A research team led by archaeologists Don Ranson and Rhys Jones conducted detailed investigations to uncover the secrets held within the strata. In 1981, Jones and Keirnan carried out excavations during a period of significant social unrest, coinciding with the height of the protests against the proposed construction of the Franklin Dam.
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Evidence of Ice Age Survival
The cave contains critical archaeological deposits from the Pleistocene epoch, a geological period characterized by repeated glaciations. The evidence suggests that during this time, the surrounding landscape was an open tundra, a vast, treeless Arctic plain.
Remarkably, this site represents the most southerly human occupation recorded globally during the last ice age. The findings indicate that early humans adapted to this harsh environment by hunting local fauna, specifically the Bennets Wallaby.
An Unprecedented Density of Artefacts
The site is recognized as one of the richest artefact deposits ever uncovered in either Tasmania or the broader Australian continent. The sheer volume of material recovered from a very limited area is staggering. In an excavation zone representing only 1% of the cave's total artefact-bearing deposit, researchers recovered:
- Over 75,000 stone artefacts.
- More than 250,000 bone fragments.
Analysis of the bone fragments revealed a pattern of systematic resource extraction. The remains consisted predominantly of Bennets Wallaby long bones, which had been intentionally split along their length to extract the nutrient-rich marrow.
Key Facts
- Discovery: Found in 1977 by Kevin Keirnan.
- Global Significance: The most southerly human occupation site during the last ice age.
- Environment: The landscape was an open tundra during the Pleistocene.
- Artefact Volume: 75,000 stone tools and 250,000 bone fragments found in just 1% of the deposit area.
- Primary Prey: Bennets Wallaby, with bones split for marrow extraction.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Researchers | Don Ranson, Rhys Jones, and Kevin Keirnan |
| Time Period | Pleistocene (Last Ice Age) |
| Stone Artefacts | 75,000+ fragments |
| Bone Fragments | 250,000+ fragments |
| Key Species | Bennets Wallaby |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who discovered the cave and when?
The cave was discovered in 1977 by Kevin Keirnan, a geomorphology student.
Why is this site globally significant?
It is significant because it represents the most southerly evidence of human occupation in the world during the last ice age.
What was the environment like during the Pleistocene?
The archaeological evidence indicates that the landscape at the time was an open tundra.
What did the early inhabitants eat?
There is strong evidence of Bennets Wallaby hunting, with long bones being split to extract marrow.
How dense were the archaeological finds?
The site is one of the richest in Australia; a small area comprising only 1% of the deposit yielded over 75,000 stone artefacts and 250,000 bone fragments.