Kuk Early Agricultural Site
Western Highlands
Kuk Swamp is an archaeological site located in the Wahgi Valley of Papua New Guinea's Western Highlands, approximately 12–13 km northeast of Mount Hagen. Situated at an altitude of about 1550 meters, the site represents a former lake basin transformed by alluvial deposits into an area of anthropogenic grassland. Archaeological excavations have revealed complex early agricultural drainage systems dating back around 9,000 years, including three classes of ditches-major disposal channels, large field ditches, and small field ditches-that were engineered to manage water flow and convert swampy lands into cultivable fields. The native crop taro was cultivated here, alongside evidence of early banana and sugar cane cultivation dating from 6,900 to 6,400 years ago. These findings highlight Kuk Swamp as one of the earliest sites where humans independently developed agriculture. The site also yielded artifacts such as wooden digging sticks and grindstones, indicating advanced agricultural practices. Today, the area is inhabited by the Kawelka people, a Melpa-speaking tribe. In 2008, Kuk Swamp was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its outstanding contribution to understanding the origins of agriculture.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the dry season for easier access and exploration. Guided tours can provide valuable insights into the site's archaeological significance. Advance arrangements or contacting local guides are recommended to facilitate access. While there are no specific ticketing details publicly available, visitors should inquire locally about any entrance fees or permits. Respect for the local Kawelka community and the preservation of the site is paramount during visits.
Faits intéressants
- •Kuk Swamp contains some of the world's earliest known agricultural drainage systems, dating back about 9,000 years.
- •The site evidences early cultivation of bananas and sugar cane between 6,900 and 6,400 years ago, among the earliest such evidence worldwide.
- •Archaeological finds include wooden digging sticks and grindstones, indicating advanced early farming tools.
- •The banana varieties cultivated at Kuk Swamp belong to the Eumusa group, the most significant group of domesticated bananas.
- •Kuk Swamp was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 recognizing its global importance in agricultural history.
Histoire
Kuk Swamp's development began around 9,000 years ago when early inhabitants engineered drainage systems to transform a natural swamp into productive agricultural land.
The construction of irrigation ditches allowed the cultivation of taro at the edge of its viable growing range in the highlands.
Over time, cultivation expanded to include bananas and sugar cane between 6,900 and 6,400 years ago, marking Kuk Swamp as one of the earliest centers of independent agricultural innovation.
Archaeological studies, notably by Australian archaeologist Jack Golson, uncovered these ancient features and artifacts, revealing sophisticated land management practices.
The site's significance was internationally acknowledged when UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site in 2008.
Guide du lieu
Major Disposal Channelscirca 7000 BCE
These are large irrigation ditches constructed to divert water flowing south from the alluvial fan towards the northeast, preventing swamp formation and enabling cultivation.
Large and Small Field Ditchescirca 7000 BCE
Smaller, more uniform ditches surrounding planting areas, connecting to major disposal channels to maintain water levels suitable for crops like taro.
Archaeological Artifacts
Wooden digging sticks and grindstones found during excavations indicate the tools used by early cultivators at Kuk Swamp.
Contact
Téléphone: 7918 1004