One of the most instructive aspects of the Sulawesi discovery is that it came about partly by accident — or rather, by scientific curiosity in the face of an unexpected observation.

The excavations at Leang Bulu Bettue and Leang Cappalombo 1 were not primarily focused on finding evidence of ancient drug use.

They were investigating the prehistoric occupation of South Sulawesi caves more broadly — the timing of human arrival, the technologies used, the subsistence strategies, the art.

The jaw fragment and three molars of Maros-LBB-1a were found as part of this broader investigation.

When Brumm first examined them, the unusual dental wear was not immediately explicable.