Abstract

This paper details an anthracological pilot study for the Lepu-Kina rockshelter site (AT-7), located on Atauro Island, East Timor and considers the implications of the preliminary results for the archaeology of the region. Archaeological wood charcoal analysis can reveal aspects of fuel selection, human landscape modifications and management of vegetal resources. The difficulties inherent in tropical archaeobotany have, however, constrained anthracological research in Island Southeast Asia. This study is therefore principally an attempt to assess the potential for future anthracological investigations to address archaeological questions related to vegetation resource uses and horticultural practices in Island Southeast Asia. Results reveal that the occupants of the Lepu-Kina rockshelter 2500 years ago had access to abundant semi-evergreen tropical forests and savannah. The presence of Artocarpus, identified as either breadnut or breadfruit (A. cf. altilis/camansi) is also recorded. These results confirm that a more expansive anthracological investigation of the Lepu-Kina rockshelter, accompanied by a local or regional reference collection and wood anatomy resource, has significant potential to expand on these initial observations.

摘要

本文详细介绍了位于东帝汶阿陶罗岛的 Lepu-Kina 岩石避难所遗址 (AT-7) 的人类学试点研究，并考虑了初步结果对该地区考古学的影响。考古木炭分析可以揭示燃料选择、人类景观改造和植物资源管理等方面。然而，热带古植物学固有的困难限制了东南亚岛屿的人类学研究。因此，这项研究主要是为了评估未来人类学调查的潜力，以解决与东南亚岛屿植被资源利用和园艺实践相关的考古问题。结果表明，2500 年前勒普-基纳岩庇护所的居住者可以进入丰富的半常绿热带森林和大草原。的存在Artocarpus，被确定为面包果或面包果（A. cf. altilis/camansi）也被记录下来。这些结果证实，对 Lepu-Kina 岩石庇护所进行更广泛的人类学调查，并辅以当地或区域参考资料和木材解剖学资源，具有扩大这些初步观察的巨大潜力。