Preneolithic and Neolithic influences of artifacts assemblage from 12,150 ± 40 BP Gua Tembus, Ketil Valley, Baling, Kedah, Malaysia

Gua Tembus (gua = cave) is a rock shelter located on Gunung Pulai in Baling, Kedah, recognized for its potential as a prehistoric settlement site. Excavations conducted in 2020 uncovered a wealth of archaeological evidence, including lithic artifacts, faunal remains, and pottery, which reflect anthropological evolution in response to environmental adaptation. The chronological stratigraphy of these findings dates to the Late Pleistocene period (12,150 ± 40 BP), allowing for the reconstruction of prehistoric cultural dynamics along the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. At least three phases of human occupation have been identified within the cave: the Preneolithic or Hoabinhian cultural layer, the Neolithic-influenced cultural layer (3640 ± 30 BP), and a post-prehistoric cultural layer. However, the distribution of various archaeological materials — such as faunal remains, predominantly freshwater mollusk shells, unifacial and bifacial pebble tools, ground tools, and bone artifacts — reveals notable differences across these layers. These variations provide valuable insights into the cultural developments that took place in Kedah during the prehistoric occupation of Gua Tembus, illustrating changes in cultural affinities that likely correspond to shifting environmental conditions and human adaptation over time.