Kohima, Jan. 24: The on-going archaeological excavation at Chungliyimti in Tuensang district under a University Grants Commission-sponsored project, initiated by the department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, has revealed the existence of a Neolithic civilisation at the site.

Led by Tiatoshi Jamir, the team includes archaeologists from the department of Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), New Delhi.

A settlement bearing deep incision marks on clay, coarse and gritty sandstone of what is believed to be holes made by poles and footprints, was discovered near Longtrok. A stone staircase, leading to a house, was also discovered close to the settlement.

Some partially weathered stone items, grinding stones and a variety of pottery pieces were also found.

Charcoal samples have been collected to establish the date of the civilisation. Soil samples have also been collected to look for traces of botanical remains.

Other team members involved in the excavation are Akumla Walling, a trained archaeologist from ASI, Chumbeno Ngullie, a research scholar in the department of Archaeology, Deccan College; Amongla Longkumer, draughtsman, and Nchumbemo Jamir from the department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University.

The team adopted community-based archaeology to generate a more effective co-operation between the archaeologists and the local community.

The team will also educate the masses on the management of local heritage to boost cultural tourism.

Archaeologists have excavated at least five Neolithic sites across the state.