Subsistence Strategies of the Inhabitants at Leang Padaelo 3, Pagkep-South Sulawesi

Andi Muhammad Saiful

This research examines faunal remains from the Leang Padaelo 3 site to explain the subsistence patterns of its inhabitants. The study applies a zooarchaeological approach, including the Number of Identified Specimen (NISP), Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI), and Minimum Number of Elements (MNE), as well as macroscopic analysis to identify taphonomic processes, butchery marks, and traces of burning. The results indicate that the Toala people relied heavily on aquatic fauna for consumption. They preferred shellfish and crabs over other types of fauna. These findings suggest that the Toala community practiced a maritime-oriented subsistence strategy. This research enhances our understanding of the role of the maritime environment in human life during the prehistoric period in South Sulawesi.