Investigating the world's first maritime network in Pleistocene Wallacea

Indonesia is one of Australias most important economic and cultural partners today, yet our knowledge of the origins of trade across our region is unknown. This project will investigate the world's earliest maritime network in islands to Australias north where volcanic glass began to be traded at least 16,000 years ago. Through an examination of the age and source of stone tools the project will uncover the origins of ancient trade, how far tools were moved over the sea, and the social and environmental factors that influenced early seafaring. The project benefit is to document and preserve significant cultural heritage sites in our region. By sharing results with the Indonesian and Australian public's, trade and cultural institutions through media outlets and exhibitions the project will deepen appreciation of how past maritime movements and cultural connections have influenced Au