Ancient Seafaring Techniques Demonstrated by Modern Scientists

In a groundbreaking experiment, a team of researchers led by anthropologist Yousuke Kaifu from the University of Tokyo successfully replicated prehistoric seafaring techniques, demonstrating how ancient humans may have navigated across the East China Sea approximately 30,000 years ago. This experimental voyage, undertaken from Ushibi in eastern Taiwan to Japan's Yonaguni Island, aimed to shed light on the maritime capabilities of early humans, who faced significant geographic barriers during their migration from Africa to various Pacific Islands.

The journey, which spanned over 140 miles (225 km) and lasted more than 45 hours, involved a small crew of four men and one woman paddling a 25-foot-long (7.5-meter) dugout canoe named Sugime. This canoe was crafted from a Japanese cedar tree using primitive tools, including an axe and an adze, echoing the techniques of Paleolithic peoples. The researchers faced the formidable Kuroshio current, one of the world’s strongest ocean currents, and navigated using celestial bodies and ocean swells, akin to methods utilized by their ancient counterparts. Despite extreme fatigue and challenging conditions, the team completed the crossing safely, albeit with periodic drifting due to strong currents.

According to Kaifu, this project not only provided insights into the capabilities of prehistoric seafarers but also deepened the researchers' respect for their ancestors who undertook such perilous journeys without modern navigational aids. "Through the project with many failures, we have learned the difficulties of crossing the ocean," he stated, emphasizing the risk and skill required for such voyages.

Previous attempts at replication using reed and bamboo rafts had failed due to issues with durability and speed. Kaifu noted, "We found that the Paleolithic people could cross the sea with the strong ocean current if they had dugout canoes and were skillful, experienced paddlers and navigators."

The Kuroshio current, comparable to the Gulf Stream, posed a particular challenge, leading scientists to investigate historical data regarding ocean conditions during the time of these ancient voyages. In a companion study published in the same issue of *Science Advances*, physical oceanographer Yu-Lin Chang from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology utilized simulations to analyze sea conditions 30,000 years ago, concluding that the crossing was indeed feasible under the right circumstances.

This research aligns with historical maritime explorations, such as the 1947 Kon-Tiki expedition led by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, which aimed to prove that ancient peoples could have traveled vast distances across oceans using primitive vessels. However, unlike Heyerdahl's theories, which have been challenged over time, this study is underpinned by a wealth of archaeological evidence that paints a more accurate picture of prehistoric maritime capabilities.

The implications of this research extend beyond mere historical curiosity; they offer a deeper understanding of human adaptability and resilience. As scientists continue to uncover the mysteries of our ancestors' journeys, they highlight the intricate relationship between humanity and the oceans that have shaped our species' evolution and migration patterns. This exploration not only enhances our knowledge of prehistoric navigation but also fosters appreciation for the oceanic routes that have connected civilizations throughout history.