Paleo-Primate Project Gorongosa
Exploring the Caves of Inhaminga
The PPPG has made significant strides in documenting the unique speleological features of central Mozambique. A new paper, Caves of Inhaminga: the Speleological Heritage of the Cheringoma Plateau, Mozambique, authored by Frederico Tátá Regala, Maria José Pinto, Luís Meira Paulo, and collaborators, sheds light on this fascinating region. Published in the Cave & Karst Science journal, the study highlights the archaeological and paleontological significance of the karstic systems explored during recent expeditions.
Speleological expeditions were conducted in Gorongosa National Park (GNP) since 2016, aiming to inventory and characterize limestone caves while assessing their potential for archaeological and paleontological discoveries. The latest research focuses on two expeditions held in 2022 and 2023 in the Inhaminga area of the Cheringoma Plateau, located north of the GNP.
With the guidance of local experts, the team identified and explored thirteen caves, eight of which were previously undocumented. Each cave was analyzed for its sedimentary deposits and geological features, uncovering valuable information about the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Highlights
- Cave Inventory: Documentation of both previously known and newly discovered caves in the Cheringoma Plateau.
- Heritage Appraisal: Detailed descriptions of cave formations and their sedimentary deposits.
- Scientific Potential: Insights into the archaeological and paleontological significance of the caves, paving the way for future research.
A hearty congratulations to the authors and the entire PPPG speleology team for their diligent work in expanding our understanding of Mozambique’s karstic systems. Special thanks to the local guides whose invaluable knowledge made these discoveries possible.
For more details, access the publication at British Cave Research Association.
This new publication underscores the importance of documenting natural heritage and its potential to unlock insights into human and Mozambican deep history. We look forward to more discoveries from the PPPG’s speleological team as they continue their invaluable work.
Keywords: Stone Age, Africa, pottery, mammal bones.
Bibliography: REGALA, Frederico Tátá; Maria José PINTO, Luís Meira PAULO, René BOBE, Mussa RAJA, Vera ALDEIAS, Will ARCHER, David R BRAUN, Tina LÜDECKE, João D’OLIVEIRA COELHO, Jacinto MATHE, Solange MACAMO, Marion BAMFORD, Felipe I MARTINEZ, Thomas A PÜSCHEL, Cristian CAPELLI, Maria Joana Ferreira da SILVA, Robert L ANEMONE and Susana CARVALHO. (2024). Caves of Inhaminga: the speleological heritage of the Cheringoma Plateau, Mozambique. Cave and Karst Science 51(2), pp 67-80.