An integrative study of new environmental and cultural data from the Hoabinhian of Laang Spean Cave (Cambodia) including modern human remains

Although the Hoabinhian culture is renowned for its unifacial pebble tools and its discovery dates back more than a century, only a handful of sites provide complete information on this period. The site of Laang Spean, in Cambodia, has recently been described as a burial cave for the Neolithic period, but it was previously known as an emblematic Hoabinhian site for Cambodia. More comprehensive studies indicate that it offers a wide window onto the settlement of the Hoabinhian between 12900 and 5000 cal BP. The archaeological layer of the Hoabinhian culture at Laang Spean include faunal, human and lithic remains that enrich our understanding of the environment and way of life of this ancient culture. The faunal assemblage, dominated by bovines, tortoises, molluscs, and cervids, reflects a diverse ecosystem and the adaptability of the Hoabinhian people. The presence of both humid and dry forest indicators, alongside significant wetland areas, suggests their ability to exploit a variety of habitats. The lithic assemblage, characterized by a lower representation of unifaces and greater use of split cobbles, reflects a continuity in basic lithic reduction strategies with minor diachronic changes in raw material selection and tool production, possibly reflecting technological adaptations and increased intensity of occupation. The discovery of human remains, though challenging to contextualize precisely, contributes to understanding settlement patterns and cultural links in prehistoric Southeast Asia. The new data allow for a deeper interpretation of the environmental adaptations and hunting strategies of the Hoabinhian people, including their responses to climatic changes, such as the end of the Younger Dryas. This enhanced knowledge significantly contributes to our comprehension of the environmental dynamics and subsistence practices in prehistoric Southeast Asia and underscores the necessity of reassessing key Hoabinhian sites with modern excavation and dating techniques.