Beli-Lena Caves
Prehistoric Beli Lena Caves lies upon a steep path on the hillside inside
from a ledge that looks down over a breathtaking view of rubber plantations
of Kitulgala estate close to Kitulagala, 2000 feet above sea level. This
Huge Cave has been home to the prehistoric 'Balangoda Man' (Homo sapiens
balangodensis) where
16,000 year old skeletal remains have been found.
Fa Hien-lena
has yielded
the earliest evidence (at ca. 37,000 BP) of the 'Balangoda Man' followed
by
Batadomba-lena
at 31,000 and 18,000 BP.
These caves have also yeiled other artifacts such as prehistoric tools
belonging to the 30,000 BP.
Batadomba-lena
caves have yeiled tools going
back to 31,000 BP. These are important
findings to whole of Asia as these tools are considered to have first
originated in Europe around 12,000 BP. But these finding have proved
that the Sri Lankan 'Balangoda Man' has been at the same stage od deveopment
19 ,000 years before the Europeans.
According to S. U. Deraniyagala, ex
Director-General of Archaeology, Sri Lanka
... The tool kit of Balangoda Man is distinguished by the occurrence
of geometric microliths, comprising small (less than 4 cm long) flakes
of quartz and (rarely) chert fashioned into stylised lunate, triangular
and trapezoidal forms (ibid:266-70,688-94). Such geometric microliths
have traditionally been considered the hallmark of the Mesolithic
period as first defined in Europe. The earliest dates for the geometric
microlithic tradition in Europe are around 12,000 BP. Hence it came
as a surprise when such tools were found as early as 31,000 BP at
Batadomba-lena, 28,000 BP at two coastal sites in Bundala and over
30,000 BP at Beli-lena. Sri Lanka has yielded evidence of this sophisticated
technological phase over 19,000 years earlier than in Europe. However
this apparent anomaly has been resolved by the discovery of geometric
microliths in various parts of Africa, such as Zaire and southern
Africa, from contexts in excess of 27,000 BP, thereby suggesting
that Europe was late in manifesting this techno-tradition due to
as yet undefined reasons.....
To Reach Belilena turn at Kitulgala Temple on Iyanwatta road to reach
the school. You need to treck about 1 kilometre to reach the cave.
Articles
Created : March 15, 2009
Updated :
March 15, 2009
|
