Archaeologists discover 3,500-year-old rice remains in remote cave from one of the largest oceanic migrants in prehistory
Rice, reported to be over 3,500-years-old was recently unearthed in Guam, making it the earliest known evidence of rice in Oceania.
Researchers have recently discovered 3,500-year-old rice remains in a cave on Ritidian Beach in northern Guam, marking the earliest known evidence of rice in the Pacific Islands.
This discovery was made through phytolith analysis—a method that examines microscopic plant debris—on ancient earthenware pottery found in the cave. The rice husks were preserved on the pottery surfaces, suggesting that rice was brought to Guam by the first settlers who sailed over 2,300 kilometers from the Philippines.
Interestingly, the rice wasn’t used for everyday consumption. Experts believe it had a ritualistic or symbolic role, possibly reserved for special ceremonies. The cave also contained fine pottery, shell pendants, and ornaments, reinforcing the idea of its ceremonial significance.
This finding not only pushes back the timeline of rice’s arrival in the Pacific but also highlights the advanced navigation and cultural practices of early Pacific islanders.
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