Liang Bua

Liang Bua is a limestone cave located near the village of Liang Bua in western Flores, Indonesia. It is a significant archaeological site, most notably for the discovery of Homo floresiensis, an extinct species of hominin often referred to as the "hobbit" due to its small stature.

The cave has been the subject of extensive archaeological excavations since the early 2000s, yielding a rich record of past environments and human (and hominin) occupation. Stone tools, animal remains, and other artifacts have been unearthed alongside the Homo floresiensis fossils, providing valuable insights into their lifestyle and the ecosystems they inhabited.

The Homo floresiensis remains, dating from approximately 100,000 to 50,000 years ago, have generated considerable scientific debate regarding their origins, evolutionary relationships, and ultimate extinction. Possible explanations for their small size include island dwarfism, a process where large mammals isolated on islands evolve to become smaller over generations.

Liang Bua continues to be an active research site, with ongoing excavations aimed at further elucidating the history of Homo floresiensis and their place in human evolution. The site is also of significant cultural importance to the local communities of Flores.