Meet the Perak Man

It was in 2012 that MALAYSIA proudly received its inaugural recognition from UNESCO world heritage for its archaeological achievement in the discovery of the Perak Man.This is the oldest remain of a caveman found in South East Asia. Yet I am guilty of not visiting the museum and meet the Perak Man earlier.

Today my aunt,my American friend and I went to Lenggong and visited the beautiful archaeological museum. It certainly deserves an applause for its lay-out, descriptions of the Stone Age on the wall and the skeletal remains of the Perak Man .This skeleton was found in situ and this provided reliable data for analyses and interpretation of the excavated artefacts  not usually available for this period. This is the most complete skeleton found in South East Asia in its antiquity which is 11,000 - 10,000 before the present. When the skeleton was etched out, it measured approximately 154cm in height.

This is the Perak Man. 

Studies showed that he suffered a genetic anomaly. The short and abnormal shapes of the second and third middle phalanges of the third digit of the left hand associated with vocally and radially curved phalanges , shorter lower arm bones suggest a genetic malformation. As he grew older his left arm suffered prolonged limb disorder and the bones were smaller and shorter than his right hand, a reflection of a partially paralysed upper limb .He died at the age of 45 which is considered 'long life' for people of his time. (facts about him are written on the wall of the museum.)

After watching the video about him at the museum I felt sad seeing him in his deformed state but at the same time proud of the fact that this man was living in the caves at Lenggong Valley with his tribe.Reaching that age during that period was considered lucky.Not many survived when they reached 20!

Mannequins  of the cave men

Pictures of their life style. 

The women were already wearing necklaces made from rocks. 

There are other remains of archaeological value at the museum and it is very interesting. The cave like atmosphere at one part of the museum is brilliant. I learned from the writing on the wall that there were Ashes from the volcanic eruption of Mount Toba dated 74,000 years ago on the rocks at the site. I think it is incredible.

Remains of the cave man

Mannequins of the cave men

There are mannequins of cavemen hunting for food at the museum and also 3D pictures of them and their lifestyle.

You will gain knowledge of the cavemen and the Perak Man from all the writings and a video of the actual scenes.

The group from Lenggong tourism with us. 

An interesting read about his burial

The bones of the another caveman. 

The museum is Perak's pride and it is a place to  visit for tourists, local and international alike.  I am glad I made the visit because now I know that the district of Hulu Perak has so much to offer.

The Perak Man as you enter.He lies on the top floor.  

The Perak Man has an IC

Yours truly

Their utensils


Ends