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Title
Times of Sand: Sedimentary History and Archaeology at the Sigatoka Dunes, Fiji
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008:
Author(s)
Anderson, Atholl
Roberts, Richard
Dickinson, William
Clark, Geoffrey
Burley, David
de Biran, Antoine
Hope, Geoffrey
Publication Date
2006
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008
Abstract
The orthodox archaeological sequence at the Sigatoka Dunes site (VL 16/1) in Fiji proposes three phases of occupation spanning Fijian prehistory, each associated with a period of dune stability. It has been taken as the standard model of Fijian prehistory for more than 30 years. Recently, however, it has been argued that there is no stratigraphic support for three discrete levels and that the occupation history was fragmented, complex, and continuous within a volatile dune system. We present new data, from optical and radiocarbon dating, to argue that a three-phase model, although somewhat more complex in detail, remains the most robust interpretation of site history. The longest stable phase (Level 2) began 2500–2300 cal yr B.P. and is possibly associated with relatively low ENSO frequency. Substantial sand dune accumulation began after ~1300 cal yr B.P.
Publication Type
Journal Article
Source of Publication
Geoarchaeology, 21(2), p. 131-154
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Place of Publication
United States of America
ISSN
1520-6548
0883-6353
Peer Reviewed
Yes
HERDC Category Description
Peer Reviewed
Yes
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