Technological Continuity and Behavioural Signatures in Late Pleistocene–Holocene Lithic Assemblages of Peninsular Malaysia

Noridayu Bakry1*, Nor Khairunnisa binti Talib2, and Shyeh Sahibul Karamah Masnan2

West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) has recorded more than 100 prehistoric sites, reflecting a long and continuous record of human occupation since the Middle Palaeolithic. The Lenggong Valley, in particular, preserves evidence of human presence spanning approximately 200,000 years, while archaeological investigations in Upper Kelantan and Upper Pahang indicate sustained occupation throughout the Late Pleistocene–Holocene period (ca. 10,000–1,500 years ago). This study focuses on lithic assemblages recovered from Gua Cha in Kelantan, as well as Gua Sagu and Gua Tenggek in Pahang, dated to approximately 11,000–14,000 years ago. It examines lithic reduction technology as a proxy for understanding the behavioural signatures and palaeo-economic strategies of prehistoric communities in Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis identifies the use of both freehand percussion and bipolar reduction techniques, reflecting flexible and expedient technological strategies adapted to local environmental conditions. Importantly, the reduction patterns observed at Gua Sagu and Gua Tenggek show notable similarities with earlier assemblages from Kota Tampan (ca. 70 ka) in the Lenggong Valley. This suggests a significant degree of technological continuity from the Middle to Late Palaeolithic, rather than abrupt technological change. Overall, this study highlights the persistence of core lithic traditions and emphasises behavioural flexibility as a key factor in long-term human adaptation within tropical rainforest environments in Peninsular Malaysia.