Trader's Cave - Niah National Park (Borneo)

Excavated in the 1950's, only minimal archaeological deposits were found in this cave. The structures that you see are remains of ancient 'roofless huts' made in ironwood or belian (Eusideroxylon Zawargeri). These huts were constructed and used as shelters by the birds' nest collectors and their families during the harvesting seasons. The cave is names for the collectors who sold or traded their harvest in return for products brought to the cave by traders from the towns. These huts were still in use till late 1970s.

Color version. Which one do you prefer?