The Kuk Early Agricultural Site, located on a 16-hectare wetland at an altitude of 1500 meters in southern Papua New Guinea, is one of the early agricultural sites in the Kuk region. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the landscape was one of the wetlands transformed by humans and remained preserved for a period of 7000 to 10000 years. It includes well-preserved archaeological remains that demonstrate a technological leap in converting plant collection into agricultural activities around 6500 years ago.

The Kuk Early Agricultural Site strongly validates the historical transition of agricultural practices, evolving from the initial mound cultivation to the farming method of using wooden tools to dig trenches and drain water from the wetlands. The archaeological remains at Kuk reflect the independent development and transformation of agricultural practices over the long years, with such sites being rare around the world.

Kuk Early Agricultural Site

Reason to Visit: One of the best examples of the historical transition of agriculture

Continent: Oceania

Country: Papua New Guinea

Province: Western Highlands Province