Archaeological Investigations on the Small Islands of Aiwa Levu and Aiwa Lailai, Lau Group, Fiji

Abstract

ABSTRACT We present archaeological data from the small limestone islands of Aiwa Levu (1.21 km2) and Aiwa Lailai (1.0 km2), Lau Group, Fiji. Surveys revealed prehistoric occupations of a sinkhole cave, rockshelters, and a fortified site. We excavated six sites, all with abundant pottery and faunal materials. Eleven radiocarbon dates from four sites span nearly the entire period of Fijian prehistory, from 2710–2330 cal BP to 430–10 cal BP. From inland sites on Aiwa Levu, the stratification, long chronology, and abundance of midden, and other artifacts argue for more permanent prehistoric occupation than the island's current use as a temporary fishing camp for people from nearby Lakeba (55.84 km2). Our archaeological data reinforce the notion that small islands were important in the prehistoric settlement and long-term occupation of Oceania, even in archipelagos where much larger islands exist nearby. In spite of their typically limited agricultural potential, small islands may be easy to defend and may offer better access to certain terrestrial and marine resources than large neighboring islands. Prehistoric sites on some small islands also may be less disturbed by modern activities than most larger islands, and therefore have enhanced potential to yield rich archaeological records.