Malaysian archaeologists have uncovered over a dozen prehistoric burials in the limestone caves of Nenggiri Valley, located approximately 135 miles (215 kilometers) north of Kuala Lumpur. These findings include human remains dating back up to 16,000 years.
These two ancient skeletons buried at the Gua Chalan site were discovered before a hydroelectric lake flooded it. Credit: Z. Ramli/Nenggiri Valley Rescue Excavations/Live Science
The archaeological team, led by Zuliskandar Ramli from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), conducted the excavations as part of a rescue mission ahead of the planned flooding of the valley for a hydroelectric reservoir, set to be completed by mid-2027.
Ramli’s team discovered a total of 16 skeletons, found across four sites within 13 limestone caves. Most of these remains are believed to belong to the pre-Neolithic period, a time associated with the hunter-gatherer Hoabinhian culture. This culture, known for its distinctive stone tools, is believed to have inhabited parts of Southeast Asia, including regions extending from Southwest China to Indonesia. “This is the most complete and oldest skeleton in a fully flexed position found in the country,” said Ramli during an interview with Live Science, referring to a skeleton unearthed in the Gua Keledung Kecil cave, dated between 14,000 and 16,000 years ago.
The discovery of these skeletons is significant not only for their age but for their burial practices. Fifteen of the skeletons were found in a crouched or “fully flexed” position, typical of pre-Neolithic burials in the region. These burials were accompanied by various grave goods, including stone tools, red ochre (a hematite mineral), and crystals. In contrast, one skeleton, buried in an extended position, dates to the Neolithic period approximately 6,000 years ago. This Neolithic burial was accompanied by different artifacts, such as a stone bracelet, polished stone tools, and pottery fragments, indicating a shift in cultural practices during that time.
The earliest skeleton discovered in the caves dates from between 14,000 and 16,000 years ago. Credit: Z. Ramli/Nenggiri Valley Rescue Excavations/Live Science
In addition to the human remains archaeologists uncovered an astonishing 71,289 artifacts from the caves. These included fragments of stone tools, pottery, and stone ornaments. Zaharudin Abu, Director of the Archaeology Division at Malaysia’s National Heritage Department, noted, “The complete skeleton found in Gua Keledung Kecil is the most significant find of the research.”
The excavation began in March 2022 and was completed in October 2023, just in time before the caves are submerged under a 20-square-mile (53 square kilometer) lake, part of a $1 billion USD (RM5 billion) hydroelectric project. The project, which aims to create a 300-megawatt power station, is expected to provide electricity to Malaysia’s power grid and create jobs for the Indigenous Orang Asli community and other locals. However, critics argue that the dam will submerge ancestral lands and forests, negatively impacting the Orang Asli villages along the Nenggiri River.
The skeletons and many of the artifacts have been sent to Malaysia’s Heritage Department for conservation and further research, while others are housed at a special facility managed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, the company overseeing the hydroelectric project.