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Re-dating mid-holocene betelnut (Areca Catechu L.) and other plant use at Dongan, Papua New Guinea

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Date

2005

Authors

Fairbairn, Andrew
Swadling, Pamela

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

University of Arizona

Abstract

Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of anaerobically preserved plant remains from the Dongan site in New Guinea, combined with assessment of preservation condition, confirms earlier doubts about the antiquity of betelnut (Areca catechu L.) found at the site. A possible sago leaf fragment is also identified as a modern contaminant. The mid-Holocene age of other fruit and nut remains is verified using these methods. The utility of AMS dating in combination with detailed archaeobotanical assessment is demonstrated, thus improving Chronometric hygiene and with it knowledge of past plant use in Oceania.

Description

Keywords

Keywords: age determination; Holocene; mass spectrometry; Melanesia; Pacific islands; Pacific Ocean; Papua New Guinea; Areca catechu

Citation

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/1885/80531

Collections

ANU Research Publications

Source

Radiocarbon

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

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