Background Since 2005, several archaeological findings dating back more than 42,000 years have been made in the cave. The age of the findings was determined using radiocarbon dating. However, some findings might be older, as their level of
Carbon-14 is below the
detection limit. Archaeologists also believe some stones and shells were used as jewelry.
Fishing The fish remains found in Jerimalai are the oldest evidence of fishing far from the shore. In addition, a fish hook believed to be between 16,000 and 23,000 years old was discovered. The four inches long hook is made from the shell of a marine snail. The hook was used to catch fish in the coastal waters, which at the time were rich in coral reef fish. it is believed that the shells were collected washed up on the beach. This would also explain why among the thousands of shell fragments (about 50 kg of material was collected during the excavation) only 268 belong to
Nautilus pompilius. It is believed that the jewelry made of nautilus shells had a great cultural significance.
Avifauna Jerimalai also preserves
fossils of
birds. With the exception of an undescribed species of
Grus, all the avian remains represent taxa still extant in the present. == References ==