A Partial Chronological Sequence of Human Habitation for Pingelap Atoll (Pohnpei State, Federated States of Micronesia)
Date
2019
Authors
Levin, Maureece J.
Seikel, Katherine
Miles, Aimee
Journal Title
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Publisher
University of Arizona
Abstract
Pingelap Atoll, 1.8 km2 in area and nearly 70 km from the nearest island, presents a clear example of
anthropogenic niche-building in physically isolated circumstances with limited resources. This paper presents the first
radiocarbon (14C) dates (n=8) from an archaeological project examining settlement and subsistence practices on the
atoll, specifically how Pingelapese people have constructed the environment to meet their needs over centuries of
occupation. These dates confirm that human occupation of Pingelap occurred by 1700–1550 cal BP (2σ) at the latest,
only a few centuries after the earliest securely-dated settlement of high islands in the region (Kosrae and Pohnpei), and
with strikingly similar timing to another atoll in the region, Mwoakilloa. Evidence of early settlement includes shell
tools, ornaments, extensive marine faunal remains, and charred botanical domesticates. These preliminary data build a
framework for the settlement history and environment building of Pingelap.
Description
Keywords
AMS dating, environment, Micronesia, Oceania, Oceania
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Source
Radiocarbon
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2099-12-31
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