In brief
Researchers have embarked on historic sea voyages, emulating ancient methods to uncover how humans traversed vast oceanic distances over 30,000 years ago.
In an innovative study reminiscent of Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition, a group of Japanese researchers led by Yousuke Kaifu from the University of Tokyo crafted a replica of a Paleolithic dugout canoe. In 2019, they set sail from Taiwan, aiming to understand the navigation skills of early humans who migrated to islands such as Okinawa without modern navigational tools or maps.This project aimed to investigate how people managed to sail across the powerful Kuroshio current, a significant obstacle for ancient mariners. Dr. Kaifu explained that since no physical evidence of these migrations remains due to erosion and other natural factors, they opted for “experimental archaeology.” Their approach mirrors Heyerdahl's theory-testing methods, emphasizing practical experimentation to explore historical questions.Recent studies published in Science journal detail the results. One report utilized advanced ocean models to simulate numerous journeys, identifying the most likely routes taken during prehistoric migrations under various conditions. Dr. Kaifu stated, “We tested different seasons, starting points, and paddling methods to represent both historic and contemporary circumstances.”The other study chronicles a 45-hour journey the research team undertook from Taiwan to Yonaguni Island in the Ryukyus, covering 122 nautical miles in their handcrafted 25-foot canoe, named Sugime. Relying solely on natural elements like stars and wind for guidance, the crew navigated largely uncharted waters, often unable to see their destination.Peter Bellwood, an archaeologist from the Australian National University, commented on the significance of their findings, noting the importance of this ancient crossing which may rank among the earliest and longest migrations of Homo sapiens, second only to the journey to Australia from eastern Indonesia around 50,000 years ago. This groundbreaking project opens a window into our distant past and illustrates the extraordinary navigation capabilities of early humans who ventured forth into the unknown.
