As the First Mariners project continues, it is attempted to establish the
conditions and constraints under which the several sea crossings in Wallacea would
have been accomplished. These are the world’s earliest examples of demonstrated
maritime colonization. The experiments, using Lower Paleolithic technology, are
described. Two attempts to cross Lombok Strait, between Bali and Lombok, are
recounted. The first failed due to the strong transverse currents, the second succeeded
only barely. Other experiments are conducted at the Strait of Gibraltar, where two rafts
are built entirely by Lower Paleolithic means, one of cane and one of inflated animal
skins.
Keywords: Lower Paleolithic technology, Bali, Lombok Strait, maritime
experiments, bamboo, Homo erectus, Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco, cane, inflated
animal skins, raft technology.
