Thesis
How sea-level and climate change affect island people: Examples from Yadua Island, Fiji
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast
2018
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00373
Abstract
Climate and sea-level change have been impacting coastal communities in the Pacific Basin for millennia. In many tropical Pacific Islands, these changes have been linked to settlement and farmland relocations, both with rising and falling sea level. This thesis focuses on these effects and examines how the inhabitants of Yadua Island (Fiji) have responded to them following the AD 1300 Event and in the last decade. Between AD 1250 and AD 1350, a period of rapid cooling resulted in sea-level fall and a comprehensive decline in food availability that led to conflicts between tribes in most of the Pacific Basin. In order to better protect themselves, most coastal settlements were abandoned in favour of fortifiable locations, typically on hilltops or in caves. These settlements are called hillforts (koronivalu in iTaukei). The study represents the first investigation of fortifications on Yadua Island, and one of a few in western Vanua Levu, or small Fijian islands. Through semi-structured interviews, two hillforts (Koromakawa and Uluinakoro), and two lookout posts (Nacelau and Uluikota) were located, measured and georeferenced. All sites presented stonewalls, but shellfish and potsherds were only scattered throughout the hillfort sites. Two pits were dug at Uluinakoro, and one at Koromakawa; excavated potsherds and shellfish samples were kept for subsequent analyses. Four shellfish samples (Gafrarium pectinatum, and Anadara antiquata) were sent out to Waikoto University for radiocarbon dating. The results showed an approximate age of 300 to 0 YBP (AD 1700 to now) but considering the depth of the pit (170 cm), they are likely from the older end of the scale. The diagnostic pottery pieces were dated from the Vuda Phase, 700 to 500 YBP (AD 1300 to 1500). Ages around AD 1400 would make them coeval with hillforts elsewhere in Fiji and other tropical Pacific Island groups.
Details
- Title
- How sea-level and climate change affect island people: Examples from Yadua Island, Fiji
- Authors
- Pierick C M Martin
- Contributors
- Javier X Leon (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00373
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450864902621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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