Warreen Cave: An Archaeological Discovery in Tasmania
In January 1986, a team of eight archaeologists from the Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania embarked on a 19-day expedition to the Maxwell River Valley. The primary objective of this survey was to investigate major dolomite outcrops—sedimentary rocks composed mainly of calcium magnesium carbonate—to identify potential prehistoric sites.
During the expedition, the team explored several known caves and discovered multiple new ones. In the northern search area, two specific sites were identified for test excavations: M86/1 and M86/2. While M86/1 yielded only two stratified stone tools, site M86/2, known as Warreen Cave, proved to be an exceptionally rich source of artifacts.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
The Excavation Process
The initial investigation at Warreen Cave involved digging a test pit measuring 50 by 50 centimeters to a depth of approximately 90 centimeters. The excavation process was challenging due to poor lighting and the presence of large rocks within the pit.
Archaeologists recovered material in 17 spits—defined as precisely measured layers of soil—each 5 centimeters deep. While the first few layers were sieved and sorted on-site, the remaining material was bulk bagged for later analysis due to time constraints. A subsequent probe indicated that the deposits extended at least another 30 centimeters deeper than the excavated area.
Chronology and Significance
By comparing the materials from Warreen Cave with those from other caves visited during the expedition, researchers drew significant conclusions regarding the site's age. Because the basal (bottom-most) deposits had not yet been reached, the site was determined to be considerably older than the other four dated sites in the region.
None of the other sites exceeded 20,000 years in age. Consequently, it was estimated that Warreen Cave dated back at least 30,000 years, prior to the collapse at the front of the cave.
One puzzling discovery was the apparent absence of deposits from the Post-Glacial Maximum (the period following the peak of the last ice age). This was unexpected, as the majority of other salvaged materials from the surrounding area were associated with that specific timeframe.
Key Facts
- Discovery Date: January 1986.
- Location: Maxwell River Valley, Tasmania.
- Lead Agency: Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania.
- Estimated Age: At least 30,000 years old.
- Excavation Depth: 90 cm (with an additional 30 cm of unexcavated deposits).
- Unique Feature: Lack of Post-Glacial Maximum deposits.
| Site ID | Site Name | Findings | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| M86/1 | Unknown | Two stratified stone tools | Low artifact density |
| M86/2 | Warreen Cave | Rich in artifacts | High antiquity (30,000+ years) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who discovered Warreen Cave?
The cave was discovered in January 1986 by a party of eight archaeologists from the Parks and Wildlife Service of Tasmania during a survey of the Maxwell River Valley.
How old is Warreen Cave estimated to be?
It is estimated to be at least 30,000 years old, making it significantly older than other dated sites in the area which did not exceed 20,000 years.
What made the excavation of Warreen Cave difficult?
The excavation was hindered by poor lighting, the presence of large rocks in the pit, and the limited size of the 50 by 50 cm test pit.
What was unusual about the deposits at Warreen Cave?
Archaeologists were puzzled by the absence of Post-Glacial Maximum deposits, as most other materials recovered in the region belonged to that period.
What is a "spit" in archaeological terms?
In this context, a spit refers to a specific, measured layer of soil removed during excavation; at Warreen Cave, these were recovered in 5 cm increments.