'A Puzzle Game': Archaeologists In Gabon Dig For Clues To Ancient Human Habitation

Lastourville: In the dense rainforests of eastern Gabon, Archaeologists are working to uncover traces of early human life at the Youmbidi cave near Lastourville. The excavation, led by the National Agency for National Parks of Gabon and French researchers, aims to reconstruct human habitation in Central Africa dating back tens of thousands of years.The region's dolomite cliffs, formed from a two-billion-year-old ocean, have created cavern systems that hold invaluable archaeological secrets. "It is a puzzle. We gather the simplest, smallest clues and put them together to form a sort of beam and gradually rebuild an entire world that has disappeared and yet is at the origin of the lifestyle in Central Africa today," said archaeologist Geoffroy de Saulieu. Their findings so far include animal bones, carved stones, and possibly the oldest pottery in the region.Researchers hope to find human remains, such as teeth or even a full skeleton. A tiny bead carved from a snail shell, dating back over 3,000 years, was hailed as the 'surprise of the year', challenging stereotypes of prehistoric life. "These people had customs, a civilisation, a way of life," de Saulieu said.Beyond scientific curiosity, the team believes these ancient societies offer lessons for today. "They lived in harmony with nature. Their responses to ecological crises could inspire us now," said de Sailieu. Researchers said that excavations will continue for a month. (with AFP inputs)