What is the significance of the Luobi Cave site in Hainan, China?

The Luobi Cave site in Hainan, China has yielded significant archaeological finds, including the discovery of a 12,000-13,000-year-old prehistoric burial, which is the earliest burial found on the island.

What did archaeologists find in the prehistoric burial in Hainan?

Archaeologists found the skeletal remains of a child laid on their side with their fingers bent, as well as the earliest shell beads discovered on Hainan Island, near the head and waist of the burial.

How do the findings from the Luobi Cave site contribute to our understanding of Hainan's prehistoric culture?

The discovery of the 12,000-13,000-year-old prehistoric burial and the associated shell beads provide valuable insights into the ancient cultures and practices of the people who inhabited Hainan Island thousands of years ago.

Home / Science / Prehistoric Burial Unearthed in Hainan, Shedding Light on Ancient Cultures

Prehistoric Burial Unearthed in Hainan, Shedding Light on Ancient Cultures

12 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Archaeologists discover 12,000-13,000-year-old burial in Hainan, China
Skeletal remains of a child found with shell beads, earliest of their kind
Burial site provides insights into prehistoric culture on Hainan Island

Prehistoric Burial Unearthed in Hainan, Shedding Light on Ancient Cultures

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a team of researchers has unearthed a prehistoric burial site in Hainan Province, China, dating back between 12,000 and 13,000 years. The burial, located in the Luobi Cave site in Jiyang District, Sanya, is the earliest of its kind found on the island.

The skeletal remains of a child were found laid on their side, with their fingers bent. Intriguingly, the archaeologists also discovered shell beads near the head and waist of the burial, which they say are the earliest of their kind. These findings could provide valuable insights into the prehistoric culture and practices of the people who inhabited Hainan Island millennia ago.

The Luobi Cave site itself was first discovered in 1983 and has previously yielded other significant archaeological finds, including human fossils, stone tools, bone implements, and animal remains. This latest discovery adds to the growing understanding of the region's rich and ancient history.