Ten Thousand Years of Cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Archaeological evidence from Kuk Swamp in Papua New Guinea's highlands reveals the world's earliest known agricultural practices, dating back over 10,000 years. The study demonstrates that high-altitude cultivation began around 9,000 BCE, predating similar developments elsewhere by millennia. Researchers employed a combination of sediment analysis, radiocarbon dating, and artifact examination to uncover taro and banana remains, alongside stone tools and irrigation systems, indicating sophisticated early farming techniques. This discovery reshapes our understanding of the origins of agriculture in New Guinea, highlighting its role as an independent center of domestication.

Golson, J., Denham, T., Hughes, P., Swadling, P., & Muke, J. (Eds.). (2017). Ten Thousand Years of Cultivation at Kuk Swamp in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. https://doi.org/10.22459/ta46.07.2017