UNESCO World Heritage SiteUNESCO Heritage
Tabon Caves
the Philippines

Tabon Caves

Cave system with prehistoric human remains

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Tabon Caves, located in Lipuun Point, Palawan, Philippines, is an important archaeological site known for its prehistoric human remains and extensive jar burials. The site is a complex of caves that have been used by early humans dating back 50,000 years, marking it as one of the earliest habitation sites in Southeast Asia. Significant finds include the Tabon Man, over 1,500 burial jars, and the Manunggul Jar, a notable burial artifact. The cave complex offers insights into early human life, burial practices, and trade connections with China during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Protected as a National Cultural Treasure, the site continues to be a focal point for archaeological studies and cultural heritage preservation.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileManunggul_Jar.jpg
FileTabonCaves.JPG
FileTabon_Cave_2014_01.JPG
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Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Jar Burial Period Ends

1500 years ago

Trade with China

Song and Yuan dynasty periods

Jar Burial Period Begins

3000 years ago

Early Human Habitation

50,000 years ago

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Storage Jars
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Funerary Urns
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Human Figurines
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
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Reference

Details

Country

the Philippines

Coordinates

9.28° N, 117.98° E