Early History

war fare

50,000 - 30,000 B.C. A land bridge existed between New Guinea and Australia allowing early inhabitants to cross from Australia to New Guinea. Over time, the warming of the climate and rise of the sea (approximately 490 feet) created the island of New Guinea. The first inhabitants were hunters, gatherers,and fisherman.

 

6000 B.C. With simple tools such as stone hatchets, the clearing of forests were possible.The Southeast-Asian pig was domesticated at this time.

4,000 - 2,000 B.C. The start of farming tropical bulb-fruits. Archaeological evidence of mortar and pestles made of stone.

1,000 B.C.- 1,500 A.C. Specialized forms of fishing on sea voyages are developed. Wood spades are used to build the first irrigation systems for farming and gardening. Connections with East-Indonesia create and influence Western culture groups of New Guinea via the north coast to the Sepik River Region. In the south coast region, rock picture paintings and many forms of carved art are witnessed and have much influence in the area. Molukken, east Indonesian spice dealers search not only for Nutmeg in the west Neuguineas (Bird´s head) but also for new territories. Local Indonesian sovereigns establish themselves and dominate the area.Craft technologies as well as trade goods find regionally distribution.

Mangrove forest