Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (c. 3050–2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Mark Horrocks; Patrick Nunn

doi:10.1016/j.jas.2006.07.011

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Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (c. 3050–2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (c. 3050–2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Mark Horrocks and Patrick Nunn

Journal of Archaeological Science, Vol.34(5), pp.739-748

2007

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2006.07.011

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Abstract

Archaeology

ancient starch

Colocasia esculenta

Lapita, Fiji

Starch residue, pollen and phytolith analysis was carried out on coralline deposits from a c. 3050-2500 cal. yr BP Lapita site at Bourewa, Viti Levu, Fiji. Starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals and xylem cells of introduced Colocasia esculenta and Dioscorea esculenta were identified, involving a process of elimination of possible taxa by cross-correlation of microfossil types. The data provide an eastward extension of direct evidence of Lapita horticulture in Remote Oceania previously identified in Vanuatu.

Details

Title: Evidence for introduced taro (Colocasia esculenta) and lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) in Lapita-era (c. 3050–2500 cal. yr BP) deposits from Bourewa, southwest Viti Levu Island, Fiji
Authors: Mark Horrocks (Author) - University of Auckland, New Zealand
Patrick Nunn (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Publication details: Journal of Archaeological Science, Vol.34(5), pp.739-748
Publisher: Academic Press
Date published: 2007
DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2006.07.011
ISSN: 0305-4403
Organisation Unit: Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449182402621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Anthropology; Archaeology; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary

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