The Prehistory of Western Polynesia

Abstract

Excavations and surveys in Western Polynesia have revealed a sequence of more than 3 000 years of human occupation. The first 1 000 years of the sequence are best known from Tonga, with only a few pottery finds suggesting contemporary occupation of other islands. The last 2 000 years are best known from Samoa. Data from 'Uvea and Futuna are just beginning to be assembled. The limited evidence available so far suggests that the various island groups have been in regular contact with each other throughout their histories. Thus the area can be regarded as a culture area not merely in the recent past, but also in the more remote past. Study of past settlement patterns and economies suggests that the first settlers probably brought with them agriculture and pigs as well as the distinctive Lapita pottery characteristic of the earliest known sites. Throughout their history the islanders also exploited marine resources. Data are not