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Cited by 23Pacific and Southeast Asian StudiesArchaeology and ancient environmental studiesMaritime and Coastal Archaeology

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

Jones, Sharyn, Steadman, David W., O’Day, Patrick M.·2007·The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology
DOI 10.1080/15564890701219966
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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.

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  • Human remains at Nayau, Aiwa Levu and Aiwa Lailai were modified, although rarely, to make artefacts or tools; six human remains (probably from a human tibia or femur) appeared to have been burned, cut and modified to manufacture pins used for sail and thatching needles.

    “Human remains at Nayau, Aiwa Levu and Aiwa Lailai were also modified, although rarely, to make artefacts or tools: six human remains (probably from a human tibia or femur) appeared to have been burned, cut and modified, in order to manufacture pins used for sail and thatching needles, a practice also documented by ethnographic evidence (Clunie, 1986;Jones et al., 2007Jones et al., , 2015)).”

    From The Archaeology of Cannibalism: a Review of the Taphonomic Traits Associated with Survival and Ritualistic Cannibalism (2025) · cites this paper as Jones et al., 2007

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Authors
Jones, S., Steadman, D. W., & O’Day, P. M.
Affiliations
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (US)
  • Florida Museum of Natural History (US)
ORCID
Steadman, David W.
Venue
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Published
2007-05
Volume
2
Issue
1
Pages
72-98
ISSN
  • 1556-1828 (ISSN-L)
  • 1556-4894
DOI
10.1080/15564890701219966
OpenAlex
W1970451303
Cited by
23
References
25
Citations by year
2024: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2017: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 3
FWCI
19.27
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
The Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Geography, Planning and Development › Pacific and Southeast Asian Studies
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Paleontology › Archaeology and ancient environmental studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Maritime and Coastal Archaeology
Keywords
small islands, prehistoric settlement, prehistoric occupation, rock shelters, fortifications, pottery, faunal remains, radiocarbon chronology, midden, fishing camps, island archaeology

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