Ariffin: Interpretation at the archaeological site in Niah NP

Ariffin HJ (2002) Interpretation of the archaeological excavation and the Painted Cave at Niah National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia, Hornbill 5:nn-nn

INTERPRETATION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION AND THE PAINTED CAVE AT NIAH NATIONAL PARK, SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

ARIFFIN BIN HJ. JERAIEE¹

SUMMARY

The caves in Niah National Park are world famous for their archaeological finds, which include the first evidence of human settlement in the area. Visitors’ appreciation and respect for the site are vital for the conservation of the cave, but there is little to see at the excavation apart from traces of digging.

Sixty local and 150 foreign visitors were surveyed to find out about their prior knowledge of the site and the scope for interpretation. All knew that the caves were important historically and were concerned that the sites be protected. They thought that interpretive signs at the sites in the caves would be an appropriate way to provide information to visitors. When asked, all agreed that the remains of Niah Man found at Niah Great Cave should be returned to Niah, either to the excavation site or to the nearby museum.

INTRODUCTION

In 1957, the curator of Sarawak Museum, Tom Harrison, led archaeological excavations at West Mouth of the Niah Great Cave, which showed lots of evidence of early human settlement in the area. The oldest modern human remains discovered in South East Asia were found, making the park one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. The nearby Painted Cave, with ancient paintings on the cave walls overlooking the remains of wooden "death ships" also contribute to the significance of the Niah cave.

Niah Great Cave was listed as a National monument in 1958. In 1974, 3,100 hectares of surrounding rainforest and limestone hills were included to form Niah National Park. The Park has been proposed as a World Heritage Site of both cultural and natural significance.

Visitors’ appreciation and respect for the site are vital for the conservation of the cave and the Park. Good interpretation can help tourists and the general public to understand the significance of the archaeological site, and the importance of preserving it for future generations to appreciate and for further research by archaeologists.

METHODOLOGY

Personal interviews with local and foreign visitors after visiting the cave were conducted at entrance of Great Caves, at the Park canteen and at the office. During April, May and June 2001, 60 local visitors and 150 foreign visitors aged 20 and above were interviewed, out of a total of 1516 local and 2768 foreign adult visitors for the three-month period.

The interviews were structured around the following three questions:

1. How did you get to know about Niah Cave?

2. What do you think of the archaeological site and the painted cave?

3. Where should the remains, skull, bones and artefacts of 40,000 years old Niah Man be housed or displayed?

VISITORS' RESPONSES

Foreign visitors knew about Niah from the Lonely Planet guidebook or from friends who had been to Sarawak. Most local respondents had "always known" about Niah Caves.

All respondents wanted the archaeological site to be maintained and preserved. Foreign visitors added that this was important because it was known world-wide. Many commented on the presence of rubbish within the sites. All recommended informative signs in Malay and English, especially around the archaeological sites, to show where the various items had been found during excavation. All respondents wanted the Painted Cave to be preserved and the fencing maintained to prevent damage and vandalism. They asked for signs explaining the meaning of the paintings on the wall.

Respondents also thought the skull, bones, artefacts, etc of Niah Man should be returned to the excavation site or to the Niah museum.

CONCLUSION

These archaeological sites are slowly degrading and an effort from NPWD and the Museum is needed to rectify problems. The adult visitors surveyed were concerned about the preservation of the sites, and more interpretive signs at the excavation site and the Painted Cave explaining the archaeological details would heighten their appreciation and increase their support for the necessary measures.

¹ Lambir Hills National Park, c/o National Parks and Wildlife Office, Jalan Angsana, 98000 Miri, Malaysia.