Beyond the Forge: Archaeobotanical Insights into Subsistence During the Early Metal Age at Gua Cililin 1, South Kalimantan

Nia Marniati Etie Fajari

This study presents archaeobotanical evidence from Gua Cililin 1, an archaeological site located in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Dating to the Early Metal Age, the site is characterized by five furnace features indicative of iron ore smelting activities. To investigate the relationship between industrial activities and plant-based subsistence strategies, microbotanical analysis was conducted on sediment samples, pottery residue, and ash extracted from furnace features. Phytolith analysis from sediment samples revealed the presence of Poaceae, suggesting open vegetation or anthropogenic landscapes surrounding the site. Residue extraction from pottery sherds yielded 218 starch grains derived from various tuber species, alongside 326 phytoliths identified from the Arecaceae, Musaceae, and Poaceae families. Notably, phytolith analysis of ash samples collected from furnace features documented the presence of rice (Oryza sp.) together with other Poaceae phytoliths. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that Gua Cililin 1 functioned not only as a locus for iron ore smelting but also as a site where diverse plant resources, including tubers, palms, bananas, and rice, were utilized. This evidence provides critical insights into the integration of industrial activities and plant-based subsistence strategies during the Metal Age in Kalimantan, highlighting the multifaceted role of such sites beyond their primary function.