The discovery of an ancient pestle in Papua, New Guinea suggests what about the people of that region?

The discovery of an ancient pestle in Papua, New Guinea indicates that the people of that region relied on crops that they grew. Pestles are tools commonly used for grinding and processing food items, particularly grains and tubers, which suggests that the society had developed agriculture and was cultivating plants for sustenance. The presence of such agricultural tools points to a settled lifestyle where communities could establish farming practices rather than a nomadic existence.

The existence of a pestle is also significant because it reflects an advanced understanding of food preparation and agricultural techniques. This finding aligns with archaeological evidence that suggests early agricultural practices in Papua New Guinea, where people cultivated crops such as taro and yams, playing a crucial role in their diet and culture. Therefore, this context supports the conclusion that agriculture was central to their way of life.