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Melanesian prehistory: some recent advances
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 15, 1980
Summary
Human settlement in New Guinea began 50,000 years ago, with complex horticultural and exchange systems developing over millennia. Recent findings reveal a more intricate prehistory than previously understood.
Area of Science:
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Pacific Prehistory
Background:
- Human presence in New Guinea dates back 50,000 years.
- Island settlement east of New Guinea occurred more recently.
- Horticultural systems in the New Guinea highlands emerged 9,000 years ago.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complexity of human settlement and economic development in New Guinea and surrounding islands.
- To document the timeline of agricultural practices and trade networks in the region.
- To update the understanding of Melanesian prehistory.
Main Methods:
- Archaeological evidence analysis.
- Dating of human occupation and settlement patterns.
- Reconstruction of ancient trade and exchange systems.
Main Results:
- Horticultural systems in the New Guinea highlands show local intensification over 9,000 years.
- Economic diversification and complex exchange systems developed on the south coast over the last two millennia.
- Long-distance movement of exotic materials in Melanesia 3,000 years ago indicates early complex interactions.
Conclusions:
- The prehistory of New Guinea and Melanesia is more complex than previously assumed.
- Evidence suggests sophisticated local developments and inter-island connections.
- Further research is needed to clarify the nature of early Melanesian traders and colonists.
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