Regional Variability and Hominin Adaptations: A Technological Analysis of Recent Palaeolithic Discoveries in the Southern Walannae Depression, Sulawesi

Putra Hudlinas Muhammad1,2*, Akin Duli2,3, and Hasanuddin2,3

As the biggest island in Wallacea, Sulawesi occupies important role for understanding early hominin dispersal across Wallacea, with recent evidence yielded 1 Ma of prove of hominin activities. While the Walannae Formation has long been a focus point for Palaeolithic research, and concentrated on northern reaches, leaving the southern sector poorly understood. This study addresses this geographic gap by analysing the spatial distribution and technological strategies of newly discovered sites in the southern Walannae Depression. Using a landscape archaeology approach, this research identified five new archaeological sites yielding 51 lithic artifacts. The spatial distribution of these sites situated on ancient Walannae river terraces and low-hill geomorphology at elevation between 50 and 200 meters. Technological analysis of the assemblages reveals significant regional variability compared to the northern Cabbenge industry. Similar in typology, the southern part consistently larger in dimension. Furthermore, the material exploitation in northern part dominated by chert or silicified limestone while the southern sites show a high reliance on volcanic rock, directly reflecting the geological potential of the Camba Volcanic Formation. Despite utilizing simple flaking techniques, the deliberate reduction of cortex to below 50% on most tools suggests a technological strategy adapted to diverse tropical environments. This research suggests early hominin dispersal through Walannae Depression characterized by dynamic shifts in response to varying regional landscape.