OKU's Museum Adds A New Collection Of Prehistoric Human Skeletons

Baturaja, S Sulawesi, Jan 3 (Antara) - The Si Pahit Lidah prehistoric museum in Padang Bindu Village, Ogan Komering Hulu (OKU) District, South Sumatra has added a collection of 20 fossilized prehistoric human skeletons that were found in the Harimau Cave. Head of Ogan Komering Ulu`s Youth, Sport, Tourism and Culture office (Disporabudpar) Aufa S. Sarkoni stated here on Friday that the skeletons are only replicas from the fossilized human skeletons that were found in the cave. "All of them are part of the development by the national archaeology team, which is still excavating and studying the mass grave inside the Harimau Cave," Sarkomi noted. The skeletons are believed to belong to the ancestors of Indonesian people. The replicas were made as part of the Disporabudpar`s programs for preserving the prehistoric remains in the region; a program developed by Prof. Dr. Truman Simanjuntak, an expert from the research and development of national archaeology office of the Ministry of Education and Culture. "With the replicas the public can now have an opportunity to observe and study ancient human skeletons. By understanding their historical heritage, people may appreciate their culture more," Sarkomi explained. The Harimau Cave is a prehistoric human dwelling, where mass graves were the attraction of Putri Cave in Baturaja, Ogan Komering Ulu district, South Sumatra province. Dozens of prehistoric human skeletons of the mongoloid race that lived 3,000 years ago have been found in the location. Besides human skeletons, other historical heritage objects such as axes funnel, ceramics and grave objects were also discovered in the Harimau Cave. "We hope that the Si Pahit Lidah museum will attract more people. The replicas of prehistoric remains are open for study and recreation purposes," Sarkomi emphasized.