In brief
A team led by anthropologist Yousuke Kaifu replicates prehistoric sea navigation to uncover how ancient humans crossed vast distances using only the stars and wind.
In a groundbreaking study, a team from the University of Tokyo has launched a modern expedition to investigate ancient maritime migration. Led by anthropologist Yousuke Kaifu, the researchers replicated a 30,000-year-old canoe journey to explore how early humans navigated the challenging Kuroshio current from Taiwan to Japan's Okinawa islands. Using a dugout canoe named Sugime, they set out in 2019 without modern maps or tools, relying only on natural elements for direction.This research echoes the historical crossing made by explorer Thor Heyerdahl, who sailed from Peru to Polynesia in the 1940s. The team's findings, published in the journal Science, include sophisticated ocean models and details from their 45-hour journey covering 122 nautical miles. The mariners faced the daunting task of navigating open sea, often unable to see their destination.Experts, including archaeologist Peter Bellwood, recognize this work sheds light on one of the oldest sea crossings in human history. This fascinating exploration not only pays tribute to ancient skill and resilience but also enhances our understanding of early human migration patterns.
